Julio Caesar Villarreal Obituary, Death Cause – A man was killed Sunday afternoon after being struck by a commercial truck while standing outside a vehicle along a stretch of Interstate 70 in Ellis County, according to state officials. The incident occurred on the westbound side of the highway and involved multiple individuals who had stopped to deal with a disabled vehicle.
Authorities said the situation unfolded when several people pulled over onto the shoulder of the interstate to load a disabled sport utility vehicle onto a trailer. The trailer was attached to a pickup truck that had been parked along the side of the roadway. While the group worked to secure the disabled vehicle, one individual was positioned closest to traffic.
Officials explained that the man was attempting to fasten the vehicle to the trailer when a semitrailer traveling westbound drifted out of its lane. The large truck struck the pedestrian, causing fatal injuries. Emergency responders were called to the scene, but the individual was pronounced dead at the location.
Law enforcement officers indicated that the crash occurred in the afternoon hours on a rural portion of the interstate near Hays. Traffic was affected in the area as emergency crews responded, secured the scene, and conducted an initial investigation. Drivers passing through the area experienced delays while officials worked to ensure safety and gather evidence.
According to preliminary findings, the semitrailer failed to maintain its lane of travel before striking the pedestrian. Investigators have not released additional details about what caused the truck to leave its lane, noting that the incident remains under review. No citations or charges were announced at the time of the initial report.
The driver of the semitrailer was not injured in the collision, officials said. The driver was wearing a seat belt at the time of the incident. Other individuals present at the scene, including occupants of the pickup truck and additional pedestrians assisting with the disabled vehicle, were also reported to be unharmed.
Authorities confirmed that multiple people had exited their vehicles to assist with loading the disabled SUV. While roadside assistance is sometimes necessary, officials emphasized that stopping on high-speed roadways carries significant risk, especially when individuals are outside their vehicles and close to moving traffic.
The crash highlights the dangers faced by motorists and pedestrians when vehicles are stopped along interstate highways. Even when stopped on the shoulder, passing traffic traveling at highway speeds can pose a serious threat, particularly to those standing near the roadway.
State officials reminded drivers to remain alert, stay within their lanes, and reduce distractions while traveling on major highways. They also urged motorists to slow down and move over when approaching stopped vehicles on the shoulder, in accordance with state traffic laws designed to protect stranded motorists and roadside workers.
Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. They will review vehicle positions, roadway conditions, and other contributing factors as part of the ongoing investigation. Additional information may be released once the investigation is complete.
No further updates were immediately available. Officials asked the public to exercise caution when traveling on interstates and to prioritize safety when dealing with disabled vehicles. Whenever possible, drivers are encouraged to move vehicles fully off the roadway and seek professional assistance rather than attempting roadside repairs or loading operations in high-traffic areas.
The incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly routine roadside situations can turn tragic, underscoring the importance of vigilance and safety for both drivers and pedestrians on busy highways.
