Update (February 3, 2026): The driver of the Dodge pickup that allegedly caused this accident has been charged with intoxication manslaughter.
Kilgore, TX — December 9, 2025, Christine Donley was killed in a suspected drunk driver accident at about 10:40 p.m. on U.S. Highway 259.
A preliminary accident report indicates that a 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 was driving the wrong direction on northbound U.S. 259 when it collided with a 2025 GMC Terrain.
GMC driver Christine Denise Donley, 63, died in the crash south of Interstate 20, according to the report.
The Dodge driver, who allegedly has been drinking before the crash, suffered minor injuries, the report states.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the Gregg County crash at this time.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I read about incidents like this one, what stands out to me isn’t just what happened, but what’s missing from the conversation. It’s clear that something went very wrong here, and if alcohol was indeed a factor, as initial reports suggest, it opens the door to a broader discussion about accountability. These situations don’t always start with a single bad decision behind the wheel. Sometimes, they begin much earlier in the evening, in places where alcohol was served.
One of the most important but often overlooked questions in cases like this is, “Where did the driver get their alcohol?” Texas law recognizes that those who profit from serving alcohol also have a responsibility not to overserve someone who is clearly intoxicated. If an investigation finds that an alcohol provider served the alleged drunk driver after it should have been obvious they were impaired, that business could share in the responsibility for what happened next. That’s the kind of question dram shop law is built to answer.
It may be easy to view this crash solely as a matter of poor individual judgment, but it’s worth considering whether there’s more to the story. If a bar, restaurant or other establishment contributed to the conditions that led to this outcome, Texas law gives those affected the right to pursue answers, and accountability.
Three important points to consider:
- Dram shop laws exist to hold alcohol providers accountable when they overserve someone who’s clearly intoxicated, especially if that person goes on to cause harm.
- Full investigations into incidents like this should include where and how the suspected drunk driver obtained alcohol, something that’s too often overlooked.
- Many people don’t realize they have legal options under Texas law to uncover this information and take action if overservice played a role.
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