Basic Facts

Crash date: September 4, 2026

Crash location: State Highway 36 near F.M. 1476 west of Gustine, TX

People involved:

  • Rickey Mariott, 75
  • Bernadine Mariott, 75
  • Unidentified GMC driver, 34

Do authorities suspect alcohol played a role in this crash? Unknown

Did authorities recommend criminal charges? Unknown

Do authorities suspect a product defect caused the crash? Unknown

Accident Report

Comanche County, TX — September 4, 2026, Rickey Mariott and Bernadine Mariott were killed in a car accident at about 11:40 a.m. on State Highway 36 near Gustine.

Authorities said a southbound 2020 GMC C2500 was trying to pass several other vehicles in a no-passing zone when it crashed head-on with a northbound 2020 Kia Sorento near F.M. 1476, even though both vehicles tried to avoid the collision by moving onto the shoulder.

Both people in the SUV, 75-year-old Evant residents Rickey Mariott and Bernadine Mariott, were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.

The pickup driver suffered minor injuries in the crash, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Comanche County crash at this time.

How Did This Accident Occur?

It would be easy to point the finger at the pickup driver for causing this crash, since he allegedly was trying pass in a no-passing zone. But what if the driver had a medical emergency? What if the pickup’s brakes failed or its throttle was stuck? I’m not saying I know what happened on State Highway 36, but authorities should consider the possibilities as they investigate this accident.

Investigators will work to reconstruct this accident using physical evidence, vehicle data, witness statements and available video footage, while cell phone records could show what each driver was doing at the time.

If authorities think a mechanical issue contributed to this crash, a qualified expert should examine both vehicles in a laboratory setting before they are scrapped or repaired. Few law enforcement agencies have the time or training for such inspections, but the grieving families deserve to know as much as possible about what caused this accident.

Did you witness this crash? Tell me what you saw in the comments.

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