Young man killed after being hit by 18-wheeler near Waskom

HARRISON COUNTY, Texas (KSLA) - A young man is dead after being hit by an 18-wheeler on I-20 in east Texas.

Hunter Dorram was a student athlete at East Texas Baptist University who was originally from Colorado and attended high school in Kennedale, Texas. He was a senior Business Administration major, scheduled to graduate in May. Dorram was also a four-year member of the ETBU Tiger Hockey team.

The following statement is from ETBU Tiger Athletics:

Words can never fully express the emotions of sadness and grief that are experienced during these difficult times. Our condolences go out to the family, friends, classmates, faculty, and staff who were close to Hunter. It is heartbreaking to experience the loss of a precious life and member of the Tiger Family.

We ask that you join ETBU community in prayer for Hunter’s family, friends, and his Tiger Hockey teammates. Please pray for all those who loved him, taught him, coached him, and cared for him as we mourn this tragic loss. As a University community based on faith and centered around Christ, may we shine the light Christ even during the darkest of times. Pray that the Holy Spirit would bring peace unexplained and mend the hearts of those in sorrow. Psalm 34:18 reminds us that ‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’

The Texas Department of Public Safety reports the fatal crash happened Monday, Jan. 30 just after 7 p.m. on I-20, less than a mile west of Waskom. Preliminary details show an 18-wheeler, being driven by a 56-year-old man from Tyler, was headed west on I-20 when the crash happened.

According to dash cam video, the pedestrian, identified as Hunter Dorram, 23, of Grand Prairie, Texas, ran into the highway on the westbound side from the median. He was hit by the front left side of the 18-wheeler.

The driver of the 18-wheeler was wearing his seat belt and was not injured.

Officials say it was raining, and the roads were wet at the time of the crash.

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