SHERMAN, TX - One person was killed in a collision between a public transit bus and a motorcycle this morning at a major intersection in Sherman.

According to DPS troopers on the scene, Paul Gordon, 73, of Pottsboro, was driving a TAPS bus eastbound on State Highway 56 and failed to yield to Howard Cecil, 45, of Bells, who was driving a 2008 BMW motorcycle westbound on State Highway 56. According to troopers, the bus attempted to turn left onto Spur 1417 when it collided with Cecil's motorcycle in the intersection around 6:50 a.m.

Cecil, who troopers say was not wearing a helmet, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Chad Cox says he's in shock his friend of 18 years was killed early Tuesday morning.

"You read on the internet and stuff and you hear from a lot of people, but sometimes you just want to see for yourself," said Cox, who visited the scene of the accidents only hours after it happened Tuesday morning.

"I'm sure he is going to be missed by a lot of people."

TAPS executive director Brad Underwood says this is the first fatal accident in TAPS's 25 year history, and that Gordon has never been in an accident.

"Mr. Gordon has actually been with us for five years. He has an excellent safety record, and so today was definitely a shock for him," Underwood said.

Cox says he will remember his friend Howard Cecil as a generous man who was always there for his friends.

"He helped a lot of people and would do anything for pretty much anybody," Cox said.

According to Texas Department of Public Safety troopers the intersection at State Highway 56 and Spur 1417 was closed for several hours.

DPS troopers say the accident remains under investigation and have yet to determine if Gordon will face any charges. Troopers will also run blood tests, which is normal protocol, to determine if alcohol was a factor.

Gordon and the one passenger on board the TAPS bus were not injured.

The Sherman Fire Department assisted troopers at the scene.