TRINITY COUNTY – On March 7, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Troopers investigated a one-vehicle crash on FM 357, about two and one half
miles north of Apple Springs.

The preliminary crash investigation indicates at approximately 2 a.m., a 2009
Dodge pickup was traveling north at an unsafe speed when the driver drove off the
roadway to the right, then crossed back over the roadway and struck a tree. The
pickup then caught on fire.

The driver is identified as 29-year-old Blake Partain from Kennard. A passenger in
the pickup is identified as 29-year-old Chelsea McBride, also from Kennard.
McBride was pronounced deceased at the scene by a Trinity County Justice of the
Peace.

During the investigation Blake Partain was determined to be intoxicated and taken
into custody for intoxication manslaughter.

This crash remains under investigation. Additional information is not available at
this time.