A two-vehicle crash on Highway 69 and Private Road 6469 has resulted in at least one fatality.

The area, which is currently under construction for an overpass and which is known for its danger to motorists in recent years, has seen multiple crashes in recent years.

According to Sergeant Adam Albritton, the local Department of Public Safety (DPS) Safety Education / Public Relations & Information Officer, the crash occurred on Wednesday, March 4 at 6 p.m. It was between a Ford Fusion and a Ram pickup towing a semi-trailer. The northbound Ford traveled off the roadway and struck a concrete traffic barrier, after which the vehicle crossed over the center line and collided with the pickup, which had been southbound.

The driver of the Ford, Joshua Matthews, was pronounced deceased. DPS is investigating the event.

Matthews was an active member of the Sand Springs Baptist Church in Mineola, where he helped serve. He was also the father of two small children, and husband to Ashley Matthews, a resident of Alba.

Matthew’s obituary says that, “above all, Joshua will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, and cherished son-in-law whose life was centered on his family and his faith.”

“This pain is one that no one should have to go through. But knowing that my sweet husband is with our Lord and Savior brings me comfort,” said Ashley in a March 6 Facebook post. ” said Ashley. “To say he’ll be missed is a huge understatement… Only the strength from God is going to get me through this. It is the only way I’m going to make it… This isn’t going to be an easy road, but God’s grace, I know, will see me through.”

The Alba-Golden ISD, where the Matthews children attend, made a post about the incident Thursday afternoon.

“We extend our deepest sympathy and ask our community to join us in keeping this family in your thoughts and prayers in the days ahead,” said administrators from the school. “AGISD means family.”

The school is hosting a fundraiser for the Matthews family on Saturday, March 21 at 7 p.m. at the high school gym. The fundraiser will be a basketball game between the Alba-Golden basketball team and Sand Springs Basketball, an unofficial team from the church. Admission is not required, but donations will be accepted.

According to the obituary, memorials can be made to Sand Springs Baptist Church Youth Camp, P.O. Box 467, Mineola, Texas 75773.