James Shelnut dies in fatal Port Arthur bridge crash

James Shelnut dies in fatal Port Arthur bridge crash

Fatal Port Arthur bridge crash death of James Shelnut – Obituary

James Shelnut, a 43-year-old resident of Port Arthur, lost his life following a collision on the Purple Heart Memorial Bridge late Friday morning. Officials confirmed that the incident happened around 11:40 a.m.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, traffic had slowed on the eastbound side of the bridge due to a previous accident. A tractor-trailer and a van had come to a stop as a result. Shelnut, who was driving a Ford pickup, was unable to reduce his speed in time and crashed into the van. The impact forced the van into the rear of the stopped tractor-trailer.

Authorities stated that the drivers of the tractor-trailer and the van were not hurt in the crash. Shelnut, however, was pronounced dead at the scene.

In the wake of the tragedy, Shelnut’s family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist with expenses related to his passing.