Beaumont man killed after car strikes rear of 18-wheeler along Highway 347

The highway was closed in both directions until about 10:20 a.m. as police investigated the wreck.

Author: Scott Eslinger

Published: 8:07 AM CDT October 30, 2019, Updated: 11:47 AM CDT October 30, 2019

BEAUMONT, Texas — Beaumont Police are investigating a fatal wreck along Texas Highway 347 involving an 18-wheeler Wednesday morning.

James Lee McClendon, a 52-year-old Beaumont man, was killed when his car struck the rear of an 18-wheeler in the 6400 block of Texas Highway 347 according to Beaumont Police around 6:45 a.m. Wednesday.

The highway was closed in both directions until about 10:20 a.m. as police investigated the wreck.

This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.

From a Beaumont Police Department news release:

BPD Investigating Traffic Fatality Crash- 6400 HWY 347

On Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at 6:45 a.m., Beaumont Police responded to the 6400 block of Hwy 347 in reference to a major crash involving an 18 wheeler and a passenger car. When Officers arrived, it was discovered that the driver of the passenger car was deceased on scene. Traffic Investigators responded and preliminary investigation has revealed that the driver of the passenger car, was traveling southbound in the inside lane, and drifted in the the center turn lane, striking the back of the 18 wheeler who was making a left turn. The victim has been identified as James Lee McClendon, a 52 year old Beaumont man.