Ex-Tatum Athlete Dies in Rusk County Wreck

RUSK COUNTY — A former high school athlete is dead after a car accident Saturday morning in Rusk County. KETK reports Michael Ochetto, Jr., 18, of Henderson, was killed when his car struck a culvert. According to Trooper Jean Dark with the Smith County DPS, Ochetto was driving down Farm to Market Road 1716 near County Road 2166 around 2:47 a.m. when he went around a curve, lost control of his car, and hit a culvert. Ochetto was pronounced dead at the scene at 3:00 a.m. Ochetto was a May 2013 graduate of Tatum High School, where he played football and basketball for the Eagles. In Tatum’s upcoming Area playoff football game, Collin Gage, defensive end and tight end for the Eagles, will be wearing #80, Ochetto’s football number from last year, to honor the late athlete.