Watch CBS News

North Texas Police Chief, Firefighter Killed In Head-On Crash In Ellis County

Bardwell Town Council Holds Emergency Meeting In Wake Of Police Chief And Son's Death

BARDWELL, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - A North Texas police chief and a volunteer firefighter were among five victims killed in a head-on crash Sunday morning in Ellis County near Bardwell.

The Texas Department of Public Safety responded to the major crash around 10:15 a.m. on Highway 34 near Highview Park Road.

According to the investigators, a 2012 Dodge pickup was traveling west on the highway when, for an unknown reason, it veered into the eastbound lane and struck a Ford Crown Victoria.

Authorities say five people died in the crash.

Two of the victims killed were Bardwell Police Chief Michael Spurgeon Sr. and his son, Bardwell area volunteer firefighter Michael Spurgeon Jr., according to the town's volunteer fire department Facebook page.

Spurgeon Sr.'s wife later confirmed that her husband was killed in the crash.

Michael Spurgeon Sr.
Michael Spurgeon Sr. (Credit: Michael Spurgeon/Facebook)

Texas Motorplex offered its condolences to the father and son as they were "longtime friends" of the facility.

"They both have been a part of the Texas Motorplex team and family over the past decade," Texas Motorplex said in a Facebook post. "They will be missed by all who met them, worked with them, served with them and those luckiest to be called their friends. Please join us in praying for their friends, families, and community."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.