ROCKPORT, TX. (THECOUNT.COM) — Juanito Garcia Jr., a 52-year-old Rockport man, was killed Monday afternoon after the vintage jeep he was driving crashed in Aransas County, Texas, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Garcia was operating a 1959 Willys Overland Jeepster westbound in the 300 block of Corpus Christi Street at approximately 1:23 p.m. when the vehicle left the roadway for reasons that remain under investigation.
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According to DPS, the jeep struck an elevated portion of a roadside ditch with its front end, causing significant damage to the vehicle.
Emergency medical services responded to the crash scene and found Garcia unresponsive. He was transported to the Rockport 24/7 Emergency Room for treatment.
Despite lifesaving efforts, Garcia was pronounced dead at the hospital at 2:24 p.m.
Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Judge Diana McGinnes officially pronounced Garcia deceased, authorities confirmed.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said troopers from the Highway Patrol Office in Sinton are handling the investigation into the crash.
Officials have not released information regarding contributing factors such as speed, mechanical issues, or possible medical conditions. It is also not known whether seat belt use played a role.
The 1959 Willys Overland Jeepster involved in the crash is considered a classic vehicle, though DPS did not indicate whether the age or design of the jeep contributed to the incident.
Corpus Christi Street, where the crash occurred, is located within a residential area of Rockport. No other vehicles were reported to be involved, and no additional injuries were reported.
Authorities have not announced whether a full reconstruction of the crash will be conducted, and no timeline has been given for the release of a final crash report.
The investigation remains active as troopers work to determine what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway and strike the ditch.
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