Ashlen Kyndal Branton Identified As TX Teen Killed In Tragic SH-315 Crash

Ashlen Kyndal Branton has been identified as the driver killed Monday afternoon in Rusk County in a two-vehicle SH-315 crash.

Branton, 19, of Nacogdoches, was killed when her vehicle collided with an 18-wheeler.

The wreck occurred just before 2:30 p.m. on SH-315, six miles northeast of the city of Mt. Enterprise.

A preliminary crash investigation by DPS shows that the driver of a 1992 Peterbilt truck towing multiple trailers hauling an oversize load, was traveling northeast on SH-315 while Branton, driving a 2016 Kia SUV, was traveling on the same roadway in the opposite direction.

Branton drifted across the center stripe and struck the oversized load with the left side of the Kia. After impact, the Kia went off the roadway to the right where it came to rest in the west side ditch of SH-315 facing southwest. source

Branton was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Peterbilt, identified as Christopher Morrison, 31, of Magnolia was not injured.

The crash remains under investigation by DPS.

Our hearts go out to the family and friends at this difficult time.