Highway 31 Crash Kills 2, Injures 1

**Gilmer Residents Die in Highway 31 Head-On Crash; Gladewater Woman Critical**

BIG SANDY, Texas — A Gilmer couple died Monday morning following a head-on collision on U.S. Highway 31, just north of Big Sandy. The crash, which occurred around 8:15 a.m., also left a Gladewater woman in critical condition.

Billy Joe Thompson, 62, and Mary Beth Thompson, 60, both of Gilmer, were pronounced deceased at the scene. They were traveling northbound on Highway 31 in a pickup truck when their vehicle reportedly crossed the center line.

The Thompson's truck collided with a southbound SUV driven by Brenda Sue Johnson, 48, of Gladewater. Johnson was transported to UT Health Tyler, where she remains in critical condition. For more information on the hospital, visit `https://www.uthealtheasttexas.com/`.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is investigating the incident. According to preliminary reports, the collision occurred on Highway 31 (US-31) near its intersection with County Road 237, a few miles north of Big Sandy. DPS Trooper Mark Davis is the lead investigator. For general information about the department, visit `https://www.dps.texas.gov/`.

The crash prompted the closure of Highway 31 for several hours, with traffic being rerouted until the road reopened around 1 p.m. Responding agencies included the Upshur County Sheriff's Office, Big Sandy Volunteer Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Services.