Lewisville, TX — January 24, 2026, Amanda Rhue was killed in a hit-and-run accident at about 1:10 a.m. on Interstate 35E/Stemmons Freeway.
A preliminary accident report indicates that an unknown vehicle was heading south when it hit a pedestrian near the West Main Street underpass and continued driving. The collision occurred in a construction zone in the rain.
The pedestrian, 40-year-old Amanda Margaret Rhue, died from injuries suffered in the crash, according to the report.
Authorities have not released any additional information about the Denton County crash at this time.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When a life is lost on a roadway, the first reports rarely tell the whole story. Early facts often leave out the deeper work that must be done to understand what really happened. In cases like this, the most important answers usually come from the questions that follow.
The first question is whether authorities conducted a full and careful crash investigation. In a fatal pedestrian collision, that means more than taking photos and writing a basic report. Did investigators measure the scene with laser mapping? Did they calculate vehicle speed and stopping distance? Did they look at debris patterns to determine the exact point of impact? A hit-and-run adds another layer. Officers need to gather paint transfer, broken parts or anything left behind that could help identify the vehicle. It also matters who handled the investigation. Some officers have advanced crash reconstruction training, while others may not. Serious crashes deserve time, skill and attention to detail.
The second question is whether anyone examined the possibility of a vehicle defect. Even in a hit-and-run case, that issue should not be ignored. Mechanical failures like brake problems, steering issues or malfunctioning sensors can play a role. Many newer vehicles have pedestrian detection systems or automatic braking. If those systems failed to activate, that could be important. Once a suspect vehicle is located, a full mechanical inspection should be done before repairs are made. Problems are not always visible from the outside, and electronic faults may not leave obvious clues.
The third question is whether all available electronic data has been collected. Modern vehicles record information about speed, braking, throttle input and steering in the moments before a crash. That data can confirm whether the driver attempted to slow down or avoid impact. Cell phone records can show whether the driver was distracted. Traffic cameras, nearby business cameras and toll data may help track the vehicle’s path before and after the collision. In hit-and-run cases especially, electronic evidence often fills in gaps that witnesses cannot.
Crashes like this demand more than surface-level answers. A careful investigation can reveal what happened in those final seconds and whether it could have been prevented. Without that deeper look, important facts may never come to light.
Key Takeaways:
- A thorough crash investigation should go beyond a basic report and include reconstruction work.
- Vehicle defects and safety system failures must be examined once the vehicle is identified.
- Electronic data from vehicles, phones and cameras can provide critical evidence about driver actions.
