Victim’s Name Released in Fatal Accident on Highway 31 East

SMITH COUNTY — Authorities have released the identity of a man killed in an accident Thursday in eastern Smith County. Smith County Pct. 4 JP Mitch Shamburger tells KETK the victim was traveling west on Highway 31 from Kilgore to Tyler. According to authorities, the man, identified as Michael Paz, 26, Kilgore, was passing a car at a high rate of speed as he wove in and out of traffic. Authorities say he realized he wasn’t going to make the pass, so he tried to get back into his lane, but over-corrected and clipped a car, sending him head-on into a Jeep. Shamburger pronounced Paz dead at the scene.

It is unknown if alcohol was involved in the wreck. A toxicology report has been ordered. Officials say Paz was wearing a seat belt. His body has been sent to the Rader funeral home in Kilgore.