Man pleads guilty to manslaughter in deadly Cooke County crash

GAINESVILLE, Texas (KXII) - A Pilot Point man is headed to prison for his role in a fatal drunk driving crash in 2025 after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter last week. [KXII 12]

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A Cooke County man will serve time in prison after accepting responsibility for a fatal traffic collision that claimed a life on a North Texas highway. Michael Ferguson, 47, of Pilot Point entered a guilty plea to manslaughter in connection with the March 2025 crash on Highway 82 near Gainesville.

According to Gainesville Police, Ferguson was operating a vehicle while intoxicated when he struck an SUV on the roadway. Rather than remain at the scene, Ferguson fled the area and subsequently collided with a pickup truck driven by Richard Shields, 60.

Shields died as a result of injuries sustained in the second collision. Authorities apprehended Ferguson approximately one month after the incident occurred.

A jury weighed the evidence presented during Ferguson's legal proceedings and determined that he should serve five years in prison as punishment for his role in the fatal crash. The recommendation reflects the serious nature of the offense and the consequences of driving under the influence.

The case underscores the dangers of impaired driving and the potential for catastrophic outcomes when motorists operate vehicles while intoxicated. Ferguson's conviction represents accountability for actions that resulted in the loss of life on a public roadway.