Joel Perez Obituary, Death – Authorities in Texas are looking into a deadly crash that took place early Tuesday morning along FM 430, where a 63-year-old man from Encino lost his life after his vehicle struck a disabled forklift head-on. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported that the collision occurred shortly before 7 a.m., at approximately 6:53 a.m., near County Road 315.
According to investigators, the victim has been identified as Joel Perez, who was driving a 2021 Toyota Corolla at the time of the crash. Perez was traveling westbound on the rural roadway, following behind several other vehicles. The combination of traffic and the conditions of the gravel road created a thick cloud of dust, greatly reducing visibility for drivers in the area. Troopers noted that this dusty environment may have played a significant role in what happened next.
While Perez was moving along the westbound lane, a forklift was positioned on the opposite side of the road in the eastbound lane. Officials said the forklift had come to a complete stop due to mechanical problems, leaving it immobile on the roadside. The disabled equipment remained stationary as other vehicles traveled past it.
As Perez continued driving, investigators believe his car drifted or moved into the eastbound lane, where it collided directly with the front of the stopped forklift. Because the forklift was not in motion and the Corolla was traveling at roadway speed, the impact was severe. Emergency personnel were dispatched immediately, but the injuries sustained by Perez were fatal. He was pronounced dead on the scene by Justice of the Peace Roland Garza, who responded to officially record the time and cause of death.
The situation highlighted how quickly conditions on rural Texas roads can become hazardous, especially when dust clouds limit visibility and unexpected obstacles, such as disabled equipment, are present. Authorities explained that drivers along FM 430 often contend with these challenging conditions, making attentiveness and cautious speed essential for safe travel.
The Texas DPS emphasized that the investigation is still active, with the DPS Falfurrias Highway Patrol Office taking the lead in examining all factors that may have contributed to the crash. Investigators will likely look into visibility conditions at the time, the position and lighting of the disabled forklift, road layout, and whether dust from the vehicles ahead prevented Perez from seeing the obstruction in time to avoid it.
The forklift’s mechanical issues are also being reviewed as part of the broader investigation. Officials will determine whether it was properly marked or signaled for oncoming traffic and whether there were steps that could have been taken to warn drivers traveling westbound on FM 430. In rural areas, unexpected stopped equipment can become extremely dangerous when visibility drops, especially during early-morning hours when lighting is limited.
Perez’s death has added another tragic reminder of the importance of road safety on less-traveled highways. While the circumstances appear to show no involvement of additional vehicles in the collision, DPS investigators will continue piecing together a complete timeline of the events leading up to the impact. Their final report will help determine whether any further actions or safety improvements are necessary.
As the DPS continues its work, no additional information has been released regarding potential contributing factors beyond the poor visibility and the presence of the disabled forklift. Authorities have asked the public to be mindful of changing road conditions and to exercise caution when dust, debris, or stalled equipment may pose unexpected hazards.
The investigation remains ongoing.
