A Jefferson County reserve deputy constable was killed Friday morning when an 18-wheeler struck her vehicle on Interstate 10 near Winnie, authorities said. The deputy was conducting traffic control at the time and died at the scene as crews from Chambers County and neighboring agencies worked to clear the wreck. Eastbound lanes were shut down near Highway 124 while investigators processed the scene. Officials later identified the victim as 48-year-old Heather Avery.

Crash details

The Texas Department of Public Safety said the collision happened around 7:41 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of I-10 when a Mack truck hit the rear of the deputy's marked Ford Explorer. The truck driver, identified as 30-year-old Murphy Smith, was not injured. Chambers County deputies said Avery was working for a private contractor at the time of the crash, according to ABC13 Houston.

Agency response and family

The Jefferson County Pct. 1 Constable's Office said in a statement that "Deputy Avery was a shining example of what is good in law enforcement and was a proud member of our department," according to FOX 26 Houston. Precinct 1 Constable Jevonne Pollard described Avery as a firearms expert who "relished her role" and offered condolences to her husband, Troy, per The Vindicator.

Work-zone risks

State transportation officials say work zones remain especially dangerous, with statistics to back it up. TxDOT reported that in 2024 nearly 28,000 crashes occurred in Texas work zones, leading to 215 deaths and more than 800 serious injuries. Officials say speeding, inattention and unsafe lane changes are frequent factors in these wrecks, and TxDOT's "Be Safe. Drive Smart." campaign urges drivers to slow down and stay alert when workers or responders are present, a warning underscored by Friday's fatality.

Chambers County deputies said an investigation into the crash is underway and did not release additional details. State troopers and local investigators remained on scene as they worked to determine what led to the collision, according to ABC13 Houston. No charges have been announced, and officials asked drivers to avoid the area while investigators continue their work.