HARKER HEIGHTS, Texas — A firefighter/EMT with the City of Harker Heights died after an off-duty crash.
The Texas Department of Public Safety responded to a three-vehicle crash around 7:30 a.m. Tuesday on State Highway 9.
Fire Chief Paul Sims said Cole Hagen Simmons, 23, was killed in the crash.
DPS said that a 2021 Toyota RAV 4 SUV, driven by a 24-year-old Central Texas woman, crossed into the westbound lane and into the path of Simmons' vehicle.
"The investigating Trooper stated that the driver claimed that her visibility was impaired by the rising sun," said DPS.
The impact caused Simmons' Chevrolet sedan to lose control and skid into the path of an eastbound 2013 Chrysler sedan, operated by a 55-year-old female from Kempner, Texas.
All three drivers were transported to Advent Medical Center, according to DPS, where Simmons died.
Simmons joined the department in Aug. and served as both a firefighter and an EMT.
Funeral service information will be released as arrangements are finalized.
"The Department requests thoughts and prayers for the family of Cole Hagen Simmons," said Sims in the press release.
