Two killed in crash on U.S. 35

GALVESTON — Two people are dead as a result of a three-vehicle crash one mile north of Galveston.

At 4:40 p.m. Tuesday, the Cass County Sheriff’s Department and Galveston Police Department responded to a crash on U.S. 35, south of Cass County Road 1150 South.

According to police, Peggy Jolly, 70, Walton, was driving a 2003 Dodge Dakota north when she crossed the center line, striking head on a southbound 2005 Ford F150 driven by Ken Grimme, 53, Howard County.

A third vehicle — a 1993 Ford Taurus, driven by Melanie Dotterer, 46, Galveston — struck Grimme’s truck as she braked to avoid the accident.

Jolly and Grimme died at the scene, Cass County Coroner Gene Powlen said.

Dotterer and her 9-year-old son, Taylor, were not injured and were both wearing seat belts.

A 3-mile stretch of the highway was closed and traffic was diverted for more than two hours as crews worked to remove the wreckage.

Sgt. Tom Heflin said 911 calls flooded the Cass County dispatch center after the crash.

Investigators are unsure why Jolly crossed the center line, the speed of the vehicles involved or the use of seat belts. Officials are trying to gain clues by interviewing several witnesses, including those at a white wagon fruit stand located at a residence near the crash site.

Toxicology reports are pending on both deceased drivers. The results take several weeks to complete, Heflin said.

Grimme is the son of Howard County Surveyor Beryl “Jake” Grimme.

Also assisting were Galveston Volunteer Fire Department, Cass County EMS and Howard County Emergency Management Agency.