James Alford Simmons Jr., 56, was severely injured during the early morning hours of Sunday, April 19, when his motorcycle was struck from behind by a 1989 Chevrolet Suburban.

“The accident occurred near the 165 mile marker of Interstate Highway 20,” said Linda Chavez, a communications officer with the DPS Regional Office in Midland. “Simmons was traveling west in the outside lane on I-20 on a 2008 Harley Davidson motorcycle when he was struck from behind. He lost control and hit the median, where he was ejected.”

Simmons was taken to University Medical Center in Lubbock, where he died from his injuries April 22 at 9:55 p.m., according to DPS records.

Chavez said the driver of the Suburban left the scene of the accident, but was later tracked down in Sweetwater.

“The driver of the Suburban was identified as Paul Eugene Henson of Odessa,” said Chavez. “I don’t currently have any information regarding whether any charges were filed against Henson or if he was taken into custody.”

Henson’s name did not appear on an inmate list at the Ector County Jail or list of recent arrest as of Monday afternoon. A call to the Nolan County Sheriff’s Department was not returned before press time.

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it