Staff report

The driver and passenger on a motorcycle were killed Thursday night in Hardin County when a truck attempting a u-turn pulled in front of their vehicle, authorities said.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said Troopers responded to a multiple vehicle crash on SH 326 in Hardin County, about two miles south of Kountze, at 9 p.m.

Initial reports indicated a 2017 Dodge pickup truck was traveling southbound on SH 326 followed by a 2014 Harley Davidson motorcycle. The driver of the pickup truck traveled onto the improved shoulder of the roadway, intending to make a u-turn.

As the driver attempted the u-turn, the DPS said, he pulled into the path of the motorcycle. The motorcycle collided with the Dodge on the driver side of the pickup truck. Both the driver and passenger of Harley Davidson fell off the motorcycle and came to rest in the ditch.
Justice of the Peace Charles Brewer pronounced the driver of the motorcycle, James Horton, 34, from Lewisville, and his passenger, Casey Tania Horton, 35, of Lewisville, dead at the scene.

Both the driver and passenger of the motorcycle were wearing helmets.
The driver of the Dodge, James Ritter, 34, of Silsbee, and his passenger were not injured in the crash.
The investigation was continuing Friday morning, DPS said.