Trucker Named TCA Highway Angel for Helping Crash Victims in Late Night Head-On Collision

May 25th, 2024

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has named truck driver Richard Morrell, 50, from Plano, TX, a TCA Highway Angel for stopping to help drivers involved in a head-on collision late at night on a Texas highway. Morrell works for ABF Freight out of Ft. Smith, AR.

It’s an incredible story: On May 16, 2024 around 12:15 a.m. in Jefferson, TX, Morrell was traveling northbound on I-59 when he came upon the wreckage from two cars that had been involved in a head-on collision.

“It was beyond horrible,” Morrell said. “I was first on the scene and there was wreckage everywhere.”

One car was on the shoulder of the highway, and the other was in the fast lane. Both drivers were severely injured and pinned in their vehicles. One vehicle had an injured passenger as well. Morrell called 911 to report the wreck. He then stayed to help the drivers, and several others stopped to help as well. Eventually, emergency personnel were on the scene, as well as a helicopter landed to life flight victims from the accident. The conditions of those involved in the crash is  unknown.

“It was horrifying,” said the 15-year truck driver who was on the scene for over three hours. “But we have to help each other—I’ve always helped—I’ve always stepped up.”

Since the TCA Highway Angel program’s inception in August 1997, nearly 1,400 professional truck drivers have been recognized as TCA Highway Angels for exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage displayed while on the job. Thanks to the program’s presenting sponsor, EpicVue, and supporting sponsors, DriverFacts and Northland Insurance, TCA is able to showcase outstanding drivers like Mr. Morrell.

The TCA Highway Angel website can be accessed at https://www.truckload.org/highway-angel/.