East Texas Woman Dies in Wreck; Driver Charged

One person is dead and another person is jailed on an intoxicated manslaughter charge following a traffic accident Wednesday night in Tyler.

Police say 36-year-old Tara Dawn Smith, of Bullard, died in surgery after she was transported to ETMC. Rescuers had to use the jaws of life to free her from her crushed vehicle.

Dallas Youmans, 21, was arrested and booked into the Smith County Jail and is being held at this time without bond.

The fatal wreck occurred in the 9100 block of Paluxy between Cumberland Road and Loop 49 around 9:15 p.m. Wednesday. Officials said Youmans was traveling north on Paluxy and veered into Smith’s lane, striking Smith’s car nearly head-on.

The case is under investigation and more details are to be released later today.