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One motorist was killed and another sent to the hospital following a violent morning crash Friday in Jefferson County.

The Texas Department of Public Safety received a report of a multiple-vehicle crash on SH 73 at approximately 10 a.m.
The crash occurred near Taylor’s Bayou and involved a commercial motor vehicle.

The initial crash investigation indicates a dump truck was traveling eastbound on SH 73 in the inside traffic lane, followed by a 2008 Chevrolet pickup truck.

The driver of the dump truck slowed to make a left turn into the crossover when his vehicle was rear-ended by the Chevrolet pickup truck.

Both vehicles traveled a short distance before coming to rest.

The driver of the Chevrolet, 39-year-old Ricky Stone of Hamshire, was pronounced dead by Justice of the Peace Tom Gillam at the crash scene.

The driver of the dump truck, 51-year-old Dwayne Benoit of Orange, was taken to the Medical Center of Southeast Texas with serious injuries.

All eastbound traffic lanes of SH 73 were closed for approximately three hours, but have since reopened.

DPS Sergeant Stephanie Davis said all information is preliminary as Troopers continue to investigate the fatal crash.