What Led to the Fatal Motorcycle Crash on Butternut St. in Abilene, TX?

Michael GrossmanJune 18, 2025 2 minutes

A Monday night crash in South Abilene has left one young man dead and another person with serious injuries. According to a press release from the Abilene Police Department, 20-year-old Skyler Fowler was riding a Honda GL 500 motorcycle with a female passenger when they collided with a Dodge pickup truck around 10:00 p.m. The pickup was reportedly turning onto Butternut Street when the crash occurred. Fowler later died at the hospital, while his passenger remains in critical condition. The pickup driver and a passenger were treated for minor injuries. The APD Traffic Division is actively investigating the circumstances of the collision.

When motorcycles are involved in crashes at intersections, especially with vehicles making turns, the central issue investigators must examine is who had the right of way.

Did the Pickup Truck Yield Properly?

In Texas, drivers making turns across lanes of oncoming traffic are generally required to yield the right of way. Investigators will need to determine whether the northbound pickup driver failed to yield before turning onto Butternut Street, potentially placing the motorcycle in an unavoidable situation. This will require looking at the timing of the accident, including the speed and position of both vehicles right before impact.

What Evidence Should Investigators Review?

To piece together what happened, investigators should gather any available traffic or security camera footage from nearby intersections. The location and severity of damage to both vehicles can help reconstruct the trajectory and timing of the crash. Police should also look at roadway markings, skid marks, and debris patterns to help establish speed and positioning. Witness statements and possible dashcam recordings may also provide critical insight.

Why Thorough Investigation Is Essential

With multiple vehicles involved and conflicting possibilities about who had the right of way, a thorough investigation is the best way to determine exactly what happened and why. Reviewing the full scope of evidence can help clarify the sequence of events and ensure that all contributing factors are identified. This process is essential for providing clear answers to those affected.