Man dies after vehicle crashes head-on into semi in Hartley County early Wednesday

Dalhart High School Principal Jason Scot Wright, 54, died in a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer early Wednesday morning, the district confirmed with the Amarillo Globe-News.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, at about 12:55 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, a 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer driven by Wright was westbound on US 87, about 10 miles east of Hartley, while a 2021 Freightliner truck tractor towing a semi-trailer was eastbound on the highway.

DPS said that, for an unknown reason, Wright’s vehicle veered into the eastbound lane and struck the semi head-on.

The driver of the SUV, identified as Wright of Dalhart, was taken to the Moore County Hospital, where he died from injuries he suffered in the crash. He was pronounced dead at the hospital by Dr. Lauren Knight.

It was later determined Wright was wearing his seat belt at the time of the collision. The driver of the semi was also wearing a seatbelt and was not injured.

The posted speed limit was 75 mph, but travel was impacted by dense fog, leading to low visibility and wet pavement at the time of the crash. The conditions prompted the district to issue a two-hour delay prior to the confirmation of the principal’s death.

Wright began as principal in 2018, according to a Facebook post from Dalhart ISD. His wife, Torri Wright, is the nurse for the elementary and intermediate schools.

On Wednesday afternoon, Dalhart ISD issued a statement from Superintendent Jeff Byrd about the crash:

“It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I am informing you that Dalhart High School Principal Scot Wright died last night in a head on collision with a semi-truck as he was returning home from the basketball games in Tulia. The accident occured at approximately 1 a.m. on highway 87 between Hartley and Dumas. The entire Dalhart community is grieved by this unexpected tragedy, and words cannot express our grief for the loss of Mr. Wright.

“Mr. Wright was a servant leader for the High School, always doing what he believed was in the best interest of his students and staff. His kindness, strength, wisdom and compassion made him an inspiring role model to the students and staff of the entire District. Although he constantly strived to provide outstanding education programs for our kids, he worked equally hard to use those programs as an opportunity to build students of good character. I believe his impact on our community is clearly seen in the success of our students and dedication of his staff.

“Mr. Wright’s presence will be hugely missed by the District’s students, his fellow administrators, teachers and the entire Dalhart community. We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Wright’s family and encourage everyone to provide support for them throughout this painful loss.

“The District appreciates the Dalhart community’s continued care for Mr. Wright’s family, and we ask you to keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”

The crash remains under investigation.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Dalhart high school principal dies after crash with semi Wednesday