Clinton, Oklahoma – Mark Ray, a resident of Clinton, Oklahoma, tragically passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, in a devastating truck accident in Hansford County, Texas. Ray, 56, was involved in a fatal collision between two semi-trucks at the intersection of Farm-to-Market 2018 and Highway 136, about four miles south of Gruver, Texas.
The accident occurred at approximately 2:22 p.m. when Ray, driving a 2021 Peterbilt truck tractor/semi-trailer, failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection. His vehicle collided with a 2001 Freightliner truck tractor/semi-trailer driven by Adrian Ceniceros, 20, of Perryton, Texas. The impact of the collision caused both vehicles to burst into flames, resulting in the immediate deaths of both drivers.
Authorities from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported that the fire was so intense that it hindered rescue efforts, making it difficult to determine whether either driver was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash. The crash site, located in a rural area with a 75 mph speed limit, saw clear and dry weather conditions at the time of the incident.
Mark Ray, known for his involvement with the Triple Cross Cowboy Ministry, was deeply loved in his community. Friends and family members have expressed their grief and condolences, with many remembering him as a man who "never met a stranger" and would be greatly missed.
Services for Mark Ray are scheduled for Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Corner Stone Church on Lexington Street in Clinton, Oklahoma. The community is coming together to support Ray’s wife, Sheila, and their family during this incredibly difficult time.
The tragic accident has sparked conversations about the dangers of rural intersections and the importance of adhering to traffic signals. The Texas Highway Patrol Troopers are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the collision and to explore potential measures that could prevent such accidents in the future.
Mark Ray’s passing has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him, and the community mourns his loss deeply.