Cass County, TX — February 26, 2025, Lester Howell was killed in a hit-and-run accident on U.S. Highway 59 near County Road 3658.
Authorities said an unknown vehicle hit an electronic bike in the southbound lane of U.S. 59 sometime between 7:30 and 10 p.m.
Rider Lester Howell died after the crash north of Atlanta, according to authorities.
Authorities are still searching for the vehicle involved in the Cass County crash. The accident is still under investigation.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
Hit-and-run crashes leave families searching for answers, making a thorough investigation even more critical. While initial reports provide a general outline of events, they often leave out key details that could help determine what happened and why. That’s why it’s important to ask three key questions to ensure that every possible factor is examined.
The first question is whether authorities conducted a detailed investigation. Law enforcement agencies do their best, but their training, resources and time constraints can impact how deeply they examine a crash. Reports indicate that an unknown vehicle struck an electronic bike on U.S. Highway 59 sometime between 7:30 and 10 p.m., but that timeframe leaves a lot of uncertainty. Have investigators identified any witnesses who may have seen the crash? Have they checked nearby businesses or highway cameras for surveillance footage? Was there any debris at the scene that could help identify the vehicle involved? A hit-and-run investigation requires piecing together as much information as possible, and every small detail could be important.
The next question is whether anyone has considered the possibility of a vehicle defect. While the focus in a hit-and-run is often on locating the driver, mechanical failures — such as faulty lights, brake malfunctions or stability control issues — could have played a role in the crash. If the vehicle that struck the bike is found, it should be examined for any defects that could have contributed to the incident. Additionally, authorities should determine whether the electronic bike itself had any mechanical issues that may have impacted its visibility or maneuverability. Preserving all available evidence is crucial before it is lost.
The third question is whether all available electronic data has been collected. Modern vehicles store valuable crash-related information in their engine control modules (ECMs), which can reveal speed, braking and steering input before impact. Additionally, since this crash happened on a highway, there may be traffic cameras or dashcam footage from passing vehicles that captured important details. Authorities should also check cell phone records to see if any calls were made from the area at the time of the crash that could provide leads. Securing this data quickly is essential, as electronic evidence can be lost or overwritten over time.
A case like this raises many unanswered questions, and those affected deserve clear answers about what happened. A full investigation — one that considers all possible factors and preserves key evidence — ensures that nothing is overlooked. The sooner those questions are answered, the sooner there can be accountability and closure.
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