Tommie Hernandez – Authorities in Terry County are investigating a deadly rollover crash that occurred Saturday night and resulted in the death of a Levelland man. The incident, which unfolded along a rural stretch of roadway, has left family members and the broader community mourning the sudden loss.
According to information released by officials, the crash took place shortly after 7 p.m. on a section of County Road 200. State troopers were dispatched to the area after receiving reports of a serious collision. The location is known for its open stretches of roadway bordered by soft terrain, a factor investigators often consider when examining crashes in rural parts of the region.
When troopers arrived, they began assessing the scene and gathering preliminary information. The driver involved was identified as 66-year-old Tommie Hernandez of Levelland. Investigators discovered that Hernandez had been traveling east along the roadway before the crash occurred.
Early findings indicate that while Hernandez was driving, his vehicle moved into a soft section of earth along the north side of the roadway—an area often described as a borrow ditch, where roadside materials are typically collected or where the shoulder is not as firm as the paved surface. When his vehicle entered this softer ground, it appears he attempted to correct his path to regain control.
According to crash investigators, the sudden correction led to the vehicle shifting sideways, causing it to skid. This loss of stability ultimately resulted in the rollover. Incidents of this nature can be sudden and difficult to recover from, especially on rural roads where the transition from pavement to soft soil can be abrupt.
Despite the quick response from troopers and emergency personnel, Hernandez did not survive the incident. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. Officials have not released additional personal details out of respect for privacy and to ensure the information shared remains safe and appropriate for public reporting.
Investigators will continue reviewing the circumstances surrounding the crash. This typically includes examining the condition of the vehicle, evaluating roadway factors such as lighting or surface conditions, and determining whether other environmental elements may have played a role. Rural roads can present unique challenges, particularly at night when visibility is reduced and drivers may not always see transitions between the roadway and softer ground.
Authorities have not suggested that any other vehicles were involved, and there is no indication of foul play. Instead, this appears to be a single-vehicle incident likely influenced by roadside conditions and the vehicle’s response to a sudden steering maneuver. Even experienced drivers can find themselves in difficult situations when a vehicle veers off the primary roadway surface.
The loss of Hernandez has affected those who knew him, and the community has expressed sympathy and concern following news of the crash. Fatal incidents—especially on quiet rural roads—often serve as reminders of how unpredictable driving conditions can be. Law enforcement officials regularly encourage drivers to use caution on county roads, where shoulders may be uneven and the terrain can create hazards that are not immediately obvious.
As their work continues, investigators will compile a complete report that may offer further clarity. Additional information will be shared through official channels when appropriate. For now, authorities are focused on completing a thorough review while the community reflects on the life lost in this tragic incident.
