Authorities are investigating a hit-and-run crash that occurred late Saturday night near the intersection of CR 4701 and FM 856 in Cherokee County. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, 57-year-old David Alan Pate was killed when a GMC Sierra pickup truck allegedly struck his motorcycle and then fled the scene. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and the driver has yet to be located.
Whenever I come across a crash involving a driver fleeing the scene, I think about the difficulty of getting answers about what happened and why.
How Can Investigators Identify the Hit-and-Run Driver?
Even when a driver flees, there are usually ways to identify the vehicle and its owner. In this case, it’s reported that the GMC Sierra crashed before the driver ran away, which means investigators likely have the vehicle itself or some identifying debris. That’s a critical starting point. Law enforcement can examine the vehicle’s registration, look for fingerprints or DNA evidence inside the truck if they have it, and review surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras.
Could Distraction or Fatigue Have Played a Role?
Investigators will also likely consider whether the driver may have been distracted or fatigued at the time of the crash. Even if impairment is suspected, distraction or inattention could have contributed. Once the driver is located, law enforcement may attempt to examine phone records to determine whether the driver was alert and focused at the time of the crash or potentially distracted.
What Evidence Should Be Examined?
Several types of evidence will be crucial here. Investigators should collect forensic evidence from the GMC Sierra and obtain any nearby surveillance or dashcam footage. If the motorcycle had a rear-facing camera or lighting modifications, those details could provide more context. Additionally, physical evidence at the scene—like debris patterns and skid marks—can help reconstruct how the crash happened and where the vehicles were positioned at the time of impact.
Why a Thorough Investigation Matters
In a fatal hit-and-run crash like this, uncovering the facts is vital in providing answers to those affected. While law enforcement works to identify and apprehend the driver, it’s equally important to examine every detail of the crash to ensure that nothing is overlooked. From what I’ve seen in similar accidents, even small pieces of evidence can be the key to understanding the full story.