Man Killed in Fannin County Crash After Striking a Trailer with no Lighting or Markings

Authorities say that 60-year-old Nicolas Gamez Santana has died following a collision when his tractor was struck by a semi. It happened on January 16, 2023 at approximately 6:15 p.m. on State Highway 78 near FM-1396 in Fannin County. According to reports, a 2021 Kubota Tractor towing a homemade trailer was traveling southbound on State Highway 78 towing a homemade trailer. The driver, 60-year-old Nicolas Gamez Santana, slowed down to make a left turn. A Peterbilt towing a trailer driven by 65-year-old William Bailey Isham, was traveling behind the tractor pulling the trailer. The preliminary investigation indicates that Mr. Isham struck the trailer from behind because he did not see the tractor or trailer due to it not being marked with any emblems, reflective material, or lighting. The impact caused the tractor to roll over and ejected the driver. Mr. Santana was pronounced dead at the scene. Mr. Isham did not report any injuries at the time of the accident. The investigation is ongoing and no additional information is available at this time.