GMC Yukon strikes pedestrian crossing the roadway in Wichita Falls
December 18, 2025 | Wichita Falls, TX
Authorities with the Wichita Falls Police Department are investigating a deadly vehicle-pedestrian incident that resulted in the death of 78-year-old Manuel Reyna.
Manuel Reyna, 78, died after he was struck while crossing Iowa Park Road at the Old Iowa Park Road intersection in Wichita Falls.
What Happened in the Crash?
The accident occurred shortly after 7 a.m. on Iowa Park Road at Old Iowa Park Road. A GMC Yukon traveling eastbound in the right lane struck Reyna as he crossed the roadway. Investigators noted that the driver did not spot the pedestrian in time.
- Date and Time: Dec. 18, 2025, around 7 a.m.
- Location: Iowa Park Road at Old Iowa Park Road, Wichita Falls, TX
- Vehicle Involved: GMC Yukon
- Victim: Manuel Reyna, 78, pronounced dead at the scene
- Contributing Factors: Driver inattention, and no alcohol involvement suspected
- Investigation Status: Ongoing. and no charges anticipated
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian safety remains a pressing concern in Texas. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the state saw 808 pedestrian deaths and 5,924 such crashes in 2023. These incidents rose 22% from 2019 to 2023, highlighting risks for those on foot near roads.
Pedestrians make up just 1% of Texas crashes but 19% of fatalities. Common causes include drivers not yielding and distractions.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Fatalities (2023) |
808 |
Texas DOT |
Pedestrian Crashes (2023) |
5,924 |
Texas DOT |
Increase in Deaths (2019-2023) |
22% |
Texas DOT |
National Pedestrian Death Rise (Since 2013) |
Nearly 60% |
Governors Highway Safety Association |
Pedestrians in Texas Crashes |
1% |
Texas DOT |
Share of Roadway Deaths |
19% |
Texas DOT |
Rising SUV and pickup use contributes, as these vehicles can obscure the visibility of pedestrians. Factors like road conditions, poor lighting, and low visibility often play roles.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts provide perspective on incidents involving pedestrians.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision,” said Bond.
- Key Takeaways:
- Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and intersections.
- Families may pursue claims for lost income, companionship, pain, suffering, and funeral costs.
- Professional guidance helps navigate insurance pressures for fair settlements.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “In cases such as this, family members may seek damages for emotional distress after a tragic event.”
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).