Local police chief among those killed in crash on North Texas highway

BARDWELL, Texas - A police chief from Ellis County and his adult son were among the five people killed in a car crash in Ellis County Sunday morning. Two children also died in the crash.

Michael Spurgeon, 67, was the chief of police for the Ellis County town of Bardwell. His son, Michael Spurgeon Jr., 40, volunteered as a firefighter.

The two were killed in a wreck that happened just after 10 a.m. on State Highway 34, west of Highview Park Road near Bardwell.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the driver of a Dodge 1500 pickup veered into the eastbound lanes of the highway just as the Spurgeons' Ford Crown Victoria was heading in the opposite direction.

DPS confirmed everyone involved died in the violent head-on crash, including Jose Munoz, 31, of Ennis, who was driving the pickup and an 8-year-old girl and 5-year-old boy who were in the truck with him.

Michael, the police chief, was the department's only fulltime employee. He and his son were running errands on Sunday morning when the wreck occurred.

"My family has been turned upside down by this, as I'm sure the other people's family has been too," said relative Justin Spurgeon.

The Bardwell Volunteer Fire Department mourned the loss of the Spurgeons.

"Our hearts and condolences go out to the Family and Friends of Bardwell Police Chief Micheal Spurgeon Sr and Bardwell Area Volunteer Firefighter Micheal Spurgeon Jr who were tragically killed in a motor vehicle accident this morning. Please keep our department and our community in your prayers," the department said.

As the investigation continues, Bardwell's mayor is working to figure out who will run public safety in the small city.

Mike Jr. had worked at the Texas Motorplex track in Ennis for more than a decade. His supervisor was emotional on Monday talking about what had happened.

"My heart just drooped... I still feel the same way. I can't begin to explain the explosion of emotions that took place," said Eric McClelland.

Ennis ISD said the two children in the truck with Munoz attended school in the district.

"Ennis ISD is deeply saddened at the sudden passing of two of our students this past weekend in an automobile accident. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of these children at this very difficult time," the district said on Facebook. "Again, please pray for this family, who also lost their father in the crash, along with the family of Bardwell Police Chief Michael Spurgeon and his volunteer firefighter son, Michael Spurgeon, Jr., who perished as well."

Investigators are trying to re-create the crash to try and determine exactly what happened. They're looking into the mechanics of the pick-up truck as well as road conditions that morning.

The Spurgeon family looks forward to getting answers. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.