Mikey Ricketts Jr. Killed in Car Accident in DeSoto, TX

DeSoto, TX — March 5, 2025, Mikey Ricketts Jr. was killed in a car accident at about 1:35 a.m. on Interstate 35/R.L. Thornton Freeway.

A preliminary accident report indicates a 2022 Kia Telluride struck a pedestrian while heading north near West Drive.

Pedestrian Michael David “Mikey” Ricketts Jr., 36, died in the crash, according to authorities.

The Kia driver was not injured, the report states.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Dallas County crash.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I come across reports of a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the people affected get clear answers about what happened. A fatal collision involving a pedestrian always raises important questions, and while the initial reports provide a basic outline, they leave out key details. Too often, people assume that pedestrian accidents happen because the person was in the roadway unexpectedly, but in my experience, these incidents are rarely that simple. To fully understand what happened on Interstate 35, we need to ask three critical questions.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? Law enforcement officers typically document the basics, but a proper investigation requires more than just noting where and when the crash occurred. Were accident reconstruction experts brought in? Did they evaluate sight lines, lighting conditions and traffic flow at the time of the crash? Was the pedestrian in a crosswalk or another designated area? Did the driver have sufficient time to react? Without a detailed examination of these factors, it’s hard to say with certainty what led to the collision.

Second, has anyone considered the possibility of a vehicle defect? Most people don’t realize that mechanical failures, from braking malfunctions to faulty sensors, can contribute to crashes. The 2022 Kia Telluride involved in this incident should be examined carefully. Did its headlights properly illuminate the roadway? Were its brakes and steering systems functioning correctly? Did any driver-assistance features — such as automatic emergency braking or pedestrian detection — fail to work as intended? Vehicle defects are often overlooked, especially in cases involving pedestrians, but they can play a crucial role in understanding why a crash happened.

Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? Modern vehicles store critical information in their engine control modules, which can provide details about speed, braking and steering input at the time of impact. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras could clarify exactly where the pedestrian was and whether the driver had time to react. Cell phone records could also help determine if distraction played a role. The challenge with electronic data is that it doesn’t last forever: it must be collected quickly before it’s lost or overwritten.

A crash like this deserves a full investigation because a man lost his life, and his loved ones deserve to know why. Too often, pedestrian crashes are assumed to be simple, but there are many factors that could have contributed to this incident. By ensuring that all possible causes are explored, all evidence is secured, and all unanswered questions are resolved, we can provide the clarity that those affected deserve.