Corpus Christi, TX — April 4, 2025, One person was killed following a car accident that occurred Friday on IH 69.

An investigation is underway following a hit-and-run car accident that occurred sometime on Friday on IH 69. According to official reports, an elderly male pedestrian was found dead as a result of being struck by a vehicle in the 3800 block of IH 69, though at this time there are no further details available.
Authorities have not released the identity of the deceased, and currently no other details of the event have been made available, however this remains an ongoing investigation, and as it continues more information may become available.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
Whenever I read about a fatal hit-and-run, particularly one involving a pedestrian, the immediate concern is that critical evidence could slip away before a full picture of the incident is developed. In this case, an elderly man was found dead in the 3800 block of IH 69 after being struck by a vehicle. While details are still limited, that doesn’t lessen the urgency to ask the right questions. As with any serious crash—especially those where one party fled the scene—there are three core questions that must guide the investigation.
First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation of the scene? With a hit-and-run, it’s not just about reconstructing what happened, but also piecing together who was involved. This involves collecting physical evidence such as vehicle debris, tire marks, and any paint transfer that might help identify the make and model of the vehicle. The location and time of day are also critical to understanding visibility and traffic conditions. When someone is struck and the driver flees, it’s especially important that the scene is secured and analyzed quickly, as much of the evidence can be lost in a short window of time.
Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect may have contributed to the incident? While this may seem secondary in a hit-and-run scenario, it’s not out of the question. If the responsible driver is later identified, their vehicle needs to be preserved and examined—not only to confirm its involvement but also to determine whether any mechanical failure might have contributed to the crash. For example, issues with the braking system, headlights, or even unintended acceleration could change the understanding of what occurred. Unfortunately, these possibilities often go unexamined, especially if the vehicle is located much later or has already been repaired.
Third, has all available electronic data been collected? In a case like this, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras could be the key to identifying the vehicle. Additionally, nearby vehicles may have dashcam footage without their owners even realizing its value. If and when the suspect vehicle is recovered, its engine control module (ECM)—the “black box”—may contain useful information such as speed and braking behavior at the time of the collision. Cell phone records may also reveal whether the driver was distracted or using their device when the incident occurred. But this type of evidence doesn’t last forever—it has to be located and preserved early on.
In the wake of a fatal hit-and-run, the unanswered questions weigh heavily—not just for the investigators but for the community and the family of the deceased. While it’s clear that someone fled the scene, the reasons why, and the full circumstances surrounding the crash, won’t be known unless these three investigative areas are fully explored. Only then can we begin to understand what happened and ensure that every possible lead is followed.