Father of 2 decapitated, ejected in big rig crash on FM 1960

HOUSTON – A crash involving a car and an 18-wheeler claimed the life of a young father Wednesday in northwest Harris County.

Deputies said 27-year-old Xavier Sauls, who was identified by a family member, was driving a Honda Accord at a rate of 100 miles per hour in the westbound lanes of FM 1960 at Walters Road when he slammed into the back of the big rig.

VIDEO: FM 1960 deadly crash scene

The crash was reported just after 4 a.m. Roads were closed in the area as deputies investigated, but reopened about 9 a.m.

Deputies at the scene said the impact of the crash tore off the top and side of the vehicle. Sauls was decapitated and ejected from the car, investigators said.

PHOTOS: Man decapitated in big rig crash in NW Harris County

No one else was hurt in the crash.

"We've had a very large numbers of fatalities on nights. Larger numbers than we're used to seeing. This particular stretch of road is a pretty deadly stretch of road." spokes person with the Harris County Sheriff's Office Dan Drake said.

Sauls leaves behind two children.

Deputies are investigating whether drugs or alcohol were a factor in the crash.