Authorities this week identified the man killed in a crash earlier this month involving a pickup truck and a semi-tractor trailer on FM 866 in Ector County.

Richard D. Preston Jr., 28, of Palestine, died of injuries sustained in the wreck, which occurred in the early morning hours of March 5, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The driver of the semi, who was not identified publicly by authorities, was not injured.

Authorities said Preston was driving south on FM 866 about five miles outside of Odessa behind the semi. At about 1:50 a.m. Thursday, March 5, the truck driver slowed his vehicle so he could make a turn.

Department of Public Safety officials said Preston attempted to slow down to avoid a collision, but was unsuccessful. His vehicle slammed into the side of the 18-wheeler, which reportedly was hauling crude oil at the time.

Both vehicles then caught fire, which still was blazing by the time emergency responders arrived at the scene. Preston died at the scene, according to investigators.

According to Preston’s obituary, he is survived by a wife, two sons and two daughters.

“Richard was all about fun and having a good time, but mostly he was a loving husband and father,” the obituary read.

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