Basic Facts

Crash date: August 7, 2026

Crash location: I-20 mile marker 583, Kilgore, Gregg County, TX

People involved:

  • Mark Schaefer, 39
  • Unidentified Truck Driver

Do authorities suspect alcohol played a role in this crash?: Unknown

Did authorities recommend criminal charges?: Unknown

Do authorities suspect a product defect caused the crash?: Unknown

Accident Report

August 7, 2026, Mark Schaefer was killed as the result of an 18-wheeler accident that took place around 1:13 a.m. on I-20.

Authorities said in preliminary statements that the crash happened along the westbound lanes of the interstate near the exit for Highway 135, north of Kilgore.

Investigators said that 39-year-old Mark Schaefer was in a Chevy Camaro going westbound on I-20. While doing so, the Camaro crashed into the back of an 18-wheeler which was also going westbound. Due to the crash, Mark Schaefer was killed.

Authorities did not report any other details about the crash. Investigations are ongoing.

How Did This Accident Occur?

A lot of folks see a rear-end collision and just assume the rear driver is automatically at fault. That’s simply not true. To be clear, commons factors in crashes like this are unsafe speeds, inattention, and following too closely. Fatigue is also a common factor at this time of day. My point, though, is that there are countless other possible factors to look into, even if it’s just to rule them out.

For example, did authorities look at the vehicle’s brakes? I can’t count how many crash investigations have come across my desk where authorities never bothered doing an inspection for defects or mechanical issues. Likely or not, failing to rule out that sort of thing is only going to leave a family with doubts and unanswered questions. And in the worst case scenario, it might overlook crucial evidence of a defect the driver had no control over.

At the end of the day, it’s the evidence that says what caused a deadly crash. If people just assume someone did something wrong without actually digging into the facts, it’s a disservice to the victim and their loved ones. After all, the victim isn’t around to give their side of the story. It’s important for a family to know the crash is in the hands of professionals who are working to gather clear evidence that can tell the victim’s fairly.

If anyone witnessed the crash or drove by the scene afterward, let me know in the comments what you saw.

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