Greenville, TX — February 1, 2026, Ronney Garlington Jr. was killed and Diane Burns was injured in a car accident at about 7:40 p.m. on Joe Ramsey Boulevard East/U.S. Highway 69.

A preliminary accident report indicates that a westbound 2000 Honda Civic and an eastbound 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport collided west of Wellington Street.

Honda driver Ronney Joe Garlington Jr., 68, died from injuries suffered in the crash, according to the report.

Mitsubishi driver Diane Burns, 69, was seriously injured in the crash, the report states.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Hunt County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Serious crashes often leave more questions than answers. In the early hours after an event like this, there is usually a brief report and a few confirmed facts. What tends to take much longer is a careful look at how and why it happened.

That’s where three key questions come into focus.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? A basic report is only the starting point. In a collision like this, a thorough investigation should go well beyond noting the point of impact and the direction of travel. Investigators should document the scene in detail, sometimes using laser mapping to capture exact vehicle positions and measurements. They may need to reconstruct the path of each vehicle to understand angles, speed and timing.

It also matters whether investigators looked closely at driver conduct in the moments before the crash. That can include reviewing statements, checking for signs of distraction or impairment and examining how long officers spent processing the scene. Not every officer has advanced crash reconstruction training. Some are highly skilled in complex analysis, while others may only complete a surface-level review. The depth of that work can make a real difference in understanding what truly happened.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? When two vehicles collide, attention often centers on the drivers. But mechanical issues sometimes play a hidden role. Brake failure, steering problems, unintended acceleration or electronic sensor malfunctions can all affect how a vehicle responds in a critical moment.

These issues are not always obvious from the outside. A proper inspection means preserving the vehicles and having qualified experts examine key systems. If no one checks for mechanical failure, an important piece of the puzzle could be missed.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Modern vehicles are rolling data recorders. Many contain engine control modules that track speed, braking, throttle position and seatbelt use in the seconds before a collision. That information can either confirm or contradict initial assumptions.

Beyond the vehicle itself, phones, onboard GPS systems, and nearby traffic cameras can provide valuable insight. Electronic evidence can show whether a driver braked, accelerated or was distracted. But that data does not last forever. It must be identified and preserved quickly, or it can be lost.

In cases like this, early reports rarely tell the full story. A careful investigation that looks at reconstruction, mechanical condition, and electronic data is what turns uncertainty into clarity. Without that deeper effort, conclusions may rest on incomplete information.

Key Takeaways:

• A full crash investigation should include detailed reconstruction, not just a brief scene report.
• Mechanical inspections can uncover hidden vehicle defects that aren’t visible at first glance.
• Electronic data from vehicles and phones can provide clear answers if it is preserved in time.