CAPRON—A Capron town councilman was killed in a vehicle crash Friday night on Highway 58.

According to State Police Sgt. Michelle Cotten, a 2008 Volvo tractor trailer truck was traveling east on Highway 58 and T-boned a 2007 Ford Explorer when the driver pulled out in front of the tractor trailor at the intersection of 58 and Main Street.

Friends at the scene identified the man as John “Wayne” Ausbon, a member of the Capron Town Council.

Ausbon was declared dead while being taken to the hospital, Cotten said.

Noreen Killebrew was working at the Exxon gas station near the scene of the accident and said she heard the impact.

“I heard the bang and I looked up in time to see the little SUV spin around,” she said. Killebrew said she instantly recognized the SUV as belonging to Ausbon.

“He used to come in here a lot on his way to work,” she said, adding that he worked for a nearby prison. “We would talk about his job and other things. I am really going to miss him,” she said.

Several Capron residents gathered to watch as police investigated the scene.

Carl “Buck” Edwards, Jr. said he always admired Ausbon. “He was the type of fellow that never bothered anyone and tended to his own business,” he said. “He was what I’d call a nice guy.”

Fellow Capron Town Councilmember Bill Jarratt also arrived to assess the situation. After realizing Ausbon had died, Jarratt shook his head.

“It’s very sad to hear this news, especially considering all the other tragedies that have taken place in the county this week,” Jarratt said. “The town has suffered a great loss. He served Capron well.”

The driver of the tractor trailer truck was unharmed. While wishing not to be identified he said, “I just pray for the man and his family.”

Both drivers were wearing seatbelts and no alcohol was involved, Cotten said.