FORT WORTH, Texas — The Fort Worth community is mourning the loss of 22-year-old Totiana Samuels, who tragically died after a devastating wrong-way crash on Interstate 30 near downtown Fort Worth Sunday evening. Authorities confirmed that Samuels succumbed to her injuries on Tuesday afternoon, days after the horrific collision that has left several others critically injured.
According to investigators, the crash occurred when 45-year-old Gary Morton, a resident of Alberta, Canada, was driving eastbound in the westbound lanes of I-30. Traveling the wrong way, Morton’s vehicle collided head-on with another car carrying multiple passengers. The impact was so forceful that one person was reportedly thrown from a vehicle during the crash, underscoring the intensity of the collision.
Samuels, described by friends and family as a vibrant, caring, and ambitious young woman, suffered severe injuries and was rushed to a local hospital, where she fought for her life for two days before passing away. Her loved ones are devastated by her untimely death, remembering her as a bright soul whose kindness and determination touched everyone she met.
Authorities say Morton remains hospitalized from injuries sustained in the wreck. He has been charged with three counts of intoxication assault with a vehicle causing serious bodily injury and one count of driving while intoxicated. Investigators expect those charges to be upgraded following Samuels’ death, as the crash now includes a fatality.
Two other victims — a 26-year-old woman and a 22-year-old man — were also seriously injured and remain in critical condition at local hospitals. Police continue to investigate whether alcohol or drugs were contributing factors, but early evidence suggests intoxication played a major role in the deadly incident.
Because Morton is still receiving medical care, no mugshot has been released at this time. As the investigation continues, Fort Worth residents and loved ones of Totiana Samuels are left grieving a life lost far too soon — a painful reminder of the tragic consequences of impaired and reckless driving.
