Mardee Matlack died in two-vehicle crash on West Cemetery Road

Driver ran red light in Cadillac and struck minivan near South Soncy Road

December 05, 2025 | Randall, TX

A tragic incident unfolded at the intersection of West Cemetery Road and South Soncy Road in Randall County, where a red-light violation led to a fatal outcome for a local resident.

What Happened in the Crash?

Mardee Matlack, 56, of Canyon died when a Cadillac ran a red light at West Cemetery Road and South Soncy Road and struck her Chrysler Town and Country.

On Dec. 5, at around 10:33 p.m., a 1995 Cadillac DeVille heading west on West Cemetery Road ignored a red light and proceeded into the intersection. It collided with a southbound 2010 Chrysler Town & Country minivan.

• Victim: Mardee Matlack, 56, of Canyon, driving the minivan, was pronounced dead at the scene.
• Other Involved: The Cadillac driver and passenger sustained minor injuries and were transported to Northwest Texas Hospital.
• Conditions: Clear weather prevailed with dry roads at the time.
• Agency: The Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the ongoing investigation.

Authorities emphasized the dangers of disregarding traffic signals, a factor that turned a routine drive into a deadly encounter.

Why Do Red-Light Crashes Occur?

Running red lights remains a persistent issue on U.S. roadways, contributing to numerous collisions each year. Factors include driver inattention, speeding, and impairment.

According to the Federal Highway Administration, signalized intersections see an average of seven fatal crashes and over 1,000 injury incidents daily nationwide.

This data underscores the need for heightened awareness and stricter enforcement to prevent such tragedies.

Legal Insights

In cases involving intersection collisions due to traffic signal violations, thorough examinations are crucial for understanding liability and supporting affected families.

“An independent review can involve re-interviewing witnesses, scrutinizing surveillance footage, and gathering relevant records to build a clear picture of events,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal.

Key takeaways from legal perspectives on these incidents:

• Prompt investigations help preserve critical evidence before it degrades.
• Families may pursue claims for losses including companionship and emotional impacts.
• Consulting professionals ensures comprehensive handling of complex cases.

“Navigating the aftermath of such accidents requires addressing both emotional and financial burdens effectively,” noted Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal.

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Broader Implications for Road Safety

Incidents like this highlight the importance of adhering to traffic laws. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that motor vehicle crashes claim thousands of lives annually, with intersection errors playing a significant role.

For those affected by similar events, seeking guidance from experienced professionals can provide clarity and support.

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