Peterbilt struck Silverado after entering opposite lanes near County Road 302
September 02, 2026 | Pecos, TX
Kolton Khristian Gochis, 26, of Westminster, Colorado, was killed Wednesday when his Chevrolet Silverado collided with a Peterbilt truck after a three-vehicle crash in Pecos, Texas DPS said.
Kolton Khristian Gochis, 26, of Westminster, Colorado, was killed after a Chevrolet Silverado he was driving was struck in a three-vehicle crash involving a Peterbilt truck and Ford F-250 on U.S. Route 285.
What happened in the crash?
- Date: Sept. 2
- Location: County Road 302 merging onto northbound U.S. Route 285 near Pecos, Texas
- Vehicles involved: Ford F-250, Peterbilt truck with trailer, Chevrolet Silverado
- Lead agency: Texas Department of Public Safety
A 40-year-old Socorro resident driving the Ford F-250 westbound failed to merge safely and struck the Peterbilt. The collision pushed the Peterbilt across lanes, where it hit the southbound Silverado. Kolton Khristian Gochis, 26, of Westminster, Colorado, was driving the Silverado and was pronounced deceased at Reeves Regional Health. The Peterbilt driver, a 35-year-old New Mexico man, suffered serious injuries. The Ford F-250 occupants sustained minor injuries.
Why do these accidents happen?
Speeding remains the top factor in fatal crashes, followed by impairment, lane departure, failure to yield, and distraction.
| Rank | Factor | Source |
|---|
| 1 | Speeding | Federal Highway Administration |
| 2 | Alcohol/drugs/medication | CDC |
| 3 | Failure to stay in lane | National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
| 4 | Failure to yield | Texas Department of Public Safety |
| 5 | Distracted driving | CDC |
Legal Insights
“As attorneys, our job is to provide both legal information and advice to the families of those who have been killed in an accident. We can help protect your rights and prevent your statements to the police and insurance companies from being used against you.”
— Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and national analyst for Newsline
- Prompt independent investigation helps preserve evidence
- Review of contributing factors and insurance coverage is essential
- Background checks and witness location support case development
“An incident is considered a wrongful death when either a person or entity commits a wrongful or negligent act resulting in a person’s death. When vehicle accident fatalities result from unsafe driving, aggressive or distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, family members are usually left with the option to pursue a civil action against the responsible motorist.”
— Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal
Investigation into the crash continues. In cases such as this, families may explore options related to medical and funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and emotional trauma.
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Tags: Latest News, Non Commercial, Motor Vehicle Accident, Texas, Fatal Crash, Reeves, Pecos, Ford F-250, Chevrolet Silverado, County Road 302, Route 285, Peterbilt