Lufkin man in wheelchair killed after getting hit by dump truck

Published: Jul. 2, 2015 at 4:00 PM CDT|Updated: Jul. 2, 2015 at 10:32 PM CDT
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Source: Lufkin Police
Source: Lufkin Police

A 70-year-old Lufkin man died at CHI St. Luke's Memorial after his motorized wheel chair was struck by a dump truck in front of the Texas Forestry Museum on Atkinson Drive Thursday morning.

According to a press release from the Lufkin Police Department, James Rudolph Roy Jr. died at CHI St. Luke's Memorial-Lufkin from unknown injuries following the accident, which occurred at about 8:30 a.m. An autopsy has been ordered.

According to James Roy's wife, he left their home in his motorized wheelchair for the Dollar General, a routine he has done several times.

"When he leaves, I always tell him every morning to be careful," said James Roy's widow Jerrie Roy. "He left here this morning in his wheelchair like he always does. He was in a good mood and he seemed chipper."

On his way back home from the Dollar General, James Roy's motorized wheelchair was struck by a dump truck driven by Ronnie Eugene Grogan, 64, of Lufkin. Grogan had just pulled out of a private Forestry Museum drive.

"Mr. Roy was headed east on the shoulder as required by law," said Officer Toby Stanaland with the Lufkin Police Department.

James Roy's wife was notified by neighbors of what happened.

"They came to the door after I had just gotten dressed," Jerrie Roy said. "I couldn't believe it; it was just a dream."

The dump truck was part of a crew working at the Forestry Museum. James Roy was seen talking to Lufkin Fire paramedics as they worked to get him in an ambulance, the press release stated.

James Roy's family, friends, and neighbors were devastated to learn of his passing.

"I love my husband; he was so good to me," Jerrie Roy said. "I can't believe it. I can't believe he's gone."

"A Dollar General employee who showed up at the scene to check on James Roy called him a "sweet little man" who frequented the store.

"He came down this morning to let us know we wouldn't see him for a few days, so we wouldn't worry about him," the Dollar General employee said.

Grogan was ticketed for failure to yield from a private drive, the press release stated.

The accident remains under investigation by the Lufkin Police Department.

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