A two-vehicle crash last Friday claimed the lives of 56-year-old LaMarcus Epps of Cullen and 47-year-old Damiane Miles of Dallas, TX.

The wreck happened around 11:50 p.m. December 20 on U.S. Highway 371 south of Rice Road.

The preliminary investigation revealed that a 2015 Cadillac Escalade, driven by Epps, was traveling north on U.S. Highway 371. At the same time, a 2011 GMC Sierra was traveling south on U.S. Highway 371. For reasons still under investigation, the Cadillac crossed the centerline and collided with the GMC.

Epps, who was unrestrained at the time of the crash, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. Miles, who was properly restrained in the front passenger seat, sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the GMC, who was properly restrained, sustained minor injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Impairment on the part of Epps is not suspected; however, standard toxicology samples were collected and submitted for analysis. This crash remains under investigation.