One Dies as Three Wrecks Occur in Plum Area Sunday

Three wrecks took place on SH 71 near Plum on Sunday, June 29.

The first two took place in close succession around noon. The first one happened on the westbound side of SH 71 near Plum Church Rd. The second wreck happened just east of there at Loop 220. The Record has learned that one person involved later succumbed to injuries.

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) investigated the crashes, but a report was not yet available. Quite a few folks were traveling to the area for the Plum Church Picnic when those wrecks occurred.

Then around 4:08 p.m., a car struck a pickup when the pickup tried crossing the westbound lane of SH 71. A report from DPS said 70-year-old Larry Valdez of Waelder was driving a black 2021 Chevy Silverado. He was stationary at the stop sign on Loop 220 facing south. The report said Valdez tried crossing the westbound lanes of SH 71 but failed to yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic.

Alexys Uryashe Cordova, 25 of Kyle, was driving a gold 2005 Honda Accord west on SH 71. She was carrying a passenger, Jose Alfredo Gar-cia Pina. The Accord struck the left side of the Valdez’ pickup. The Chevy went off the left side of the road and struck a sign. It came to rest facing north. The Honda came to rest facing east, blocking the left westbound lane.

Valdez was not injured. Cordova and Pina both suffered minor injuries. Fayette County EMS transported them to Ascension Seton Hopsital in Smithville. DPS Trooper Chase Grillet investigated the crash. He issued Valdez a citation for failure to yield the right-of-way.

Both vehicles suffered major damage.

Photo courtesy of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office