AZLE, Texas — A quiet Saturday morning in Azle turned tragic when a 65-year-old Newark man died in a collision that left two vehicles mangled and a small community shaken. The crash, occurring just before 11 a.m. on FM 730 North, is now under investigation by both the Azle Police Department and the Tarrant County Traffic Investigation Unit.
According to the preliminary report, a Ford F-250 was heading southbound on FM 730 North when a Mitsubishi Outlander, coming from the opposite direction, attempted to use the center lane to make a left turn. That maneuver placed the Outlander directly into the path of the southbound truck, causing a violent collision in the southbound lane. When officers arrived on scene, both vehicles showed significant front-end damage, underscoring the force of impact.
Emergency crews rushed the driver of the Mitsubishi, later identified as William Morgan, 65, of Newark, Texas, to a nearby hospital. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries a short time later. The news of his passing rippled through the region.
Meanwhile, the driver of the Ford emerged from the crash without injury. But there was more heartbreak: a passenger in the pickup was seriously hurt and transported to a local hospital, their condition still unconfirmed as officials work to piece together what happened.
Local authorities say the joint investigation will examine every detail: vehicle speeds, possible mechanical failure, roadway conditions, and whether driver error played a role. As of now, no charges have been filed, and the identity of the injured passenger has not been released.
Neighbors and first responders alike describe the scene as sobering. The noise of crushed metal, flashing lights, and the slow advance of traffic in the hours afterward left a lasting image. In quiet moments, many pause to think how a split-second decision on a center turn lane turned fatal.
While investigators continue their work, the community mourns the loss of William Morgan. The case highlights how fragile life can be on Texas backroads—and how one risky turn can change lives forever.