JEWETT, Texas – A fatal crash near Jewett on Monday afternoon claimed the life of 65-year-old Summer Martelli of Marquez, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Authorities said Martelli’s vehicle collided with a dump truck along Farm-to-Market Road 39, north of U.S. Highway 79, around 4 p.m.
DPS investigators reported that Martelli was driving a 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage northbound when her vehicle crossed into the southbound lanes for reasons still under review. Her car sideswiped an oncoming dump truck, sending her vehicle off the roadway. The Mirage rolled several times before coming to rest in a ditch. Despite the rapid response of emergency crews, Martelli was pronounced dead at the scene.
The dump truck also left the roadway during the crash and came to a stop in a nearby field. Fortunately, the truck’s driver was not injured. Authorities confirmed that no other vehicles were involved. Troopers continue to investigate what caused Martelli’s car to veer across the center line, examining factors such as road conditions, vehicle performance, distraction, or a possible medical issue. At this time, impairment is not suspected.
Martelli’s sudden death has left her family and community in mourning. A fundraising page created to support her loved ones described her as a devoted mother of one and grandmother of three, whose compassion extended beyond her family to countless animals. Relatives shared that she never hesitated to take in stray animals, providing them with love and shelter. “There was little she loved more than animals besides her family,” her family wrote.
Her passion for animals was deeply rooted in her upbringing. Growing up on a ranch, she was inspired by her father, a respected horse trainer, and developed a lifelong love for horses. That bond shaped a life devoted to caring for and protecting animals, a legacy that those closest to her say defined her character. Friends and relatives remembered her as kindhearted, generous, and committed to helping others, both human and animal alike.
The tragedy underscores the dangers of rural highways, where two-way traffic and higher speeds often increase the risk of severe crashes. DPS and local responders stressed the importance of vigilance on Farm-to-Market roads, where passenger vehicles and heavy trucks share limited lanes. As investigators work to determine the full circumstances, Martelli’s loved ones are left to honor her memory and grieve the loss of a woman remembered for her love, compassion, and enduring devotion to family and animals.