MIDLAND—A Railroad Commissioner candidate has died in a tragic crash after his Cadillac Escalade rear-ended a semi-truck that was turning onto a private drive way off Highway 349, north of Tom Craddick Highway on Feb. 8.

Sarge
Summers pictured above. (Source: The Sun/Facebook)

The driver of the car was identified as Marvin "Sarge" Summers, 69, who was at an event in Midland campaigning for Texas Railroad Commissioner. Authorities determined Summers failed to control his speed and struck the semi-truck. Aid responded to the crash around 1:30 p.m. on Feb. 8.

Summers was an active businessman who had dedicated nearly three decades of his life working in the oil and gas industry, according to his LinkedIn.

Summers spent over two decades as a member of the United States Army and retired as a Sergeant First Class, reportedly receiving a number of military and civilian awards during his time in service.

He was also the founder and president of Oilfield Connections International (OCI), a networking association serving the energy industry.

In the wake of his passing, OCI President Lowell Millican posted this message on OCI's LinkedIn profile.

Marve
(Source: LinkedIn)

“We lost a great man yesterday,” he wrote. “Sarge Summers means a lot of things to all of the people who knew him. I had the privilege of knowing him for 3 short years. He was the most unique friend I have ever had. I am sure many of you will say the same thing, because Sarge Summers was a very unique and rare person. He had the gift of seeing good things in others. He didn't stop there though; he would work to expose those attributes for all to see. Few people are dedicated to promoting those around them as much as they promote themselves. Sarge was one of these people. Sarge was a great friend to me, he helped me from the beginning until yesterday, and in the future, I will continue to benefit from knowing him because of what he taught me.”

No other injuries were reported. Police are still investigating and no further information is available.