60-Year-Old Driver Dies After Pickup Crashes Into Stopped Semi in North Harris County

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — A 60-year-old man died Friday after his pickup truck crashed into the rear of a stopped tractor-trailer in north Harris County, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies with the Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Division responded to the crash at approximately 11:55 a.m. on June 26 in the 13000 block of Kuykendahl Road.

According to the preliminary investigation, a 2000 Peterbilt truck tractor pulling a flatbed semitrailer was stopped in the outside southbound lane while waiting to make a left turn into a construction entrance. Investigators said the commercial vehicle had its front and rear warning lights activated.

Authorities said a 2009 Toyota Tundra traveling southbound failed to control its speed and struck the rear of the stopped semitrailer.

The driver of the Toyota, identified as 60-year-old Jose Adalberto Rodriguez, became trapped inside the pickup and had to be extricated by emergency personnel.

Rodriguez was transported by ambulance to HCA Houston Northwest Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

The driver of the commercial truck was not injured, remained at the scene, and cooperated with investigators.

According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, investigators have found no indication that alcohol or drugs were contributing factors involving the commercial truck driver.

The crash remains under investigation by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Division.