A trucker has been killed and $1 million dollars in cash have been burnt up in a bizarre series of events that took place on I-20 near Waskom, TX at around 4:00a.m.
Atlas Van Lines driver Eric Royster of North Carolina’s vehicle caught fire when the friction from his trailer brakes catching got to be too much and flames broke out. Royster and his co-driver jumped out, detached the tractor from the trailer, and stood across the roadway.
Unfortunately, as Royster was taking pictures of his burning rig from a safe distance, he was struck and killed by a pickup truck driver who apparently didn’t see him due to his dark clothing.
When authorities arrived on the scene, they discovered $1 million in cash wrapped in plastic wrap and in aluminum foil which was hidden in the trailer along with two loads of furniture. According to authorities, the amount and manner in which the money was packed indicates that it was likely tied in with organized crime.
Royster’s co-driver denied he had any knowledge of the money and no one has come forward to claim it. After a full week of counting the money, the sheriff reported that they were able to count and salvage about three quarters of a million dollars, with an estimated $250,000 lost to the flames. Assuming it isn’t claimed by a legitimate source, the money will be shared between the sheriff’s office and the district attorney’s office.
Next Story: Arrow Trucking CEO Arrested, Charged With Fraud
Source: newsobserver, marshalnewsmessenger, ketknbc, chron
Image Source: Harrison County Sheriff’s Office
M. O. Crawford says
Really? How about donating it to area churches or scholarship programs?
Benjamin says
Can I claim it? I need it.
royce says
The lord moves in mysterious ways.
Brian says
Why would you donate to a church?
Raul says
Brian: Probably because most churches (at least Christian churches) give away most of the $ they take in for charitable purposes locally. Giving to a church aids the local poor. Giving to a national charity aids the millionaires that manage them and sit on their boards. But if the authorities keep the $ I hope they use it to fund their regular budget rather than using it to splurge on extras.
Infosaur says
Misleading headline. Only a quarter million burned. The rest went into the evidence locker.
The funny thing is there was 2 million in the trailer. Lol.
Look for a surge in bass boat sales next summer.
(I kid I kid)
Wonder if the driver didn’t just step in front of that pickup when he realized he was gonna be short $250k?
Andrew says
Families of the driver deserve the money, as he was killed doing his job.
Kenneth says
It’s amazing on how we the people don’t even matter anymore all of these government agencies have forgotten on the who reason on why they were created to begin with, like M.O. Crawford said why not donate it to a program that will help the youth (Or Future) or education or food for the less fortunate, employment programs, I can think of a list of things.
Jed hed says
When did this happen the article has no date !