Richard Piper Killed, Joclynne Clarkston-Smith Injured in Car Accident in Motley County, TX
Motley County, TX — January 11, 2026, Richard Piper was killed and Joclynne Clarkston-Smith was injured after a car accident at around 8:40 p.m. on US 70.
According to initial statements, the accident happened near the intersection of US Highway 70 and FM 684.
Investigators said that 71-year-old Richard Piper was in a Chevy pickup on northbound US 80. 25-year-old Joclynne Clarkston-Smith was in a Lexus, also going northbound. At the traffic light, the two vehicles collided.
As a result of the crash, Richard Piper was killed. Joclynne Clarkston-Smith sustained serious injuries. Additional details about the crash remain unconfirmed.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
A challenge with car accidents people don't often consider is that authorities sometimes rely too heavily on statements from the people involved in the crash. Well, if one person loses their life, and another is rushed to an ICU before they can speak to authorities, that leaves officers to gather evidence to tell the story. Unfortunately, not all departments have the time, training, or equipment to handle such a complex accident investigation. Important details might slip through the cracks, then, unless independent investigators can step in and pick up the slack. Will that be needed here, or have authorities shown that they're handling the investigations properly?
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