Student killed in one vehicle accident

GROVETON, TX - Wet road conditions may have played a factor in an East Texas car crash that claimed the life of a Texas A&M University-Commerce student. 

25-year-old Rajesh Puli was said to be traveling southbound along Highway 287 approximately three miles north of Groveton when his SUV left the roadway, overturned and struck a tree.

A Department of Public Safety dispatcher tells KETR the accident took place at approximately 7:45 p.m. Monday. Puli was pronounced dead at the scene by Trinity County Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace Bobby Nichols.

According to the DPS Office in Lufkin, the Trooper’s accident report noted that Puli was wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash and that the road conditions were wet.

The university flag will fly at half staff Wednesday in honor of Puli, who was pursuing a Master's degree in Technology Management. According to Maggie Thomas, advisor with International Student Services at A&M-Commerce, Puli was just admitted to the school this month after transferring.

The India Student Association at A&M-Commerce is planning a memorial service.