WEST TEXAS — Multiple crashes occurred in the Permian Basin over the weekend.
On Friday, August 1, 2025, Texas DPS Troopers responded to a 1-vehicle crash involving a 2020 Harley Davidson that occurred in Midland County at Business IH-20 (Hwy 80) mile marker 311 at 12:15 PM.
The preliminary information revealed that the motorcycle, driven by Michael Kelley Whitley, male, 68 years of age, of Midland, TX, was traveling westbound on BI-20 near mile marker 311. The driver of Vehicle 1 failed to drive in a single lane, causing the motorcycle to veer off the roadway and collide with the north cable barrier. Whitley was pronounced deceased at the scene. This crash remains under investigation, and no additional information is available at this time.
Two crashes occurred on Saturday morning. The first was a 2-vehicle crash in Martin County, at 4:20 AM. This occurred at SH 349, mile marker 300 and involved a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu and a 2000 Volvo truck tractor with trailer.
The preliminary information revealed that the Malibu, driven by Aaron Contreras, male, 25 years of age, of Lamesa, TX, was traveling northbound on SH 349. The Volvo truck, with a towed trailer, was also traveling northbound on SH 349 in front of the Malibu. Contreras failed to control his speed and struck the trailer of the Volvo. Contreras was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the Volvo truck, identified as Benjamin Tenorio, male, 57 years of age, of Midland, TX, was not injured. This crash remains under investigation, and no additional information is available at this time.
The second incident was a 1-vehicle crash in Ector County that occurred at FM 866 & YT Ranch Road at 6:00 AM. The preliminary information revealed that a 2006 Chrysler 300, driven by 17-year-old male from Goldsmith, TX, was traveling north on FM 866 and failed to drive in a single lane. The Chrysler veered off the roadway and rolled over. The driver was ejected and pronounced deceased at the scene. This crash remains under investigation, and no additional information is available at this time.
(Photo: Unsplash)
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