Smith County, Texas – FedEx Driver’s Life Honored After Tragic Highway Incident Near Lake Tyler
SMITH COUNTY, TEXAS — Hidekel “E.D.” Cornelio, a 26-year-old FedEx delivery driver, has been remembered by family, friends, and coworkers for his dedication, warmth, and character following a heartbreaking roadway incident that ended his life far too soon. The tragedy occurred on Monday afternoon along Highway 64 East near the Lake Tyler Farmers Market, a busy area that frequently sees both local traffic and delivery activity.
Cornelio had been on his usual delivery route when, according to initial reports, he stepped out of his FedEx truck to complete a package drop-off. It was during this moment — as he carried out the everyday duties of his job — that he was struck by a passing vehicle under circumstances that remain under investigation by Smith County authorities.
Emergency services, including law enforcement and medical responders, were dispatched immediately to the scene. Despite their efforts and the rapid response time, Cornelio was pronounced deceased at the site. The incident has since prompted an outpouring of grief across Smith County and among members of the local and regional FedEx team.
Authorities have released limited details while the investigation remains ongoing. No additional information has been provided regarding the driver of the other vehicle involved, and it remains unclear whether any citations or charges will follow. What is clear, however, is the devastating impact the event has had on all who knew and worked alongside Cornelio.
A Life of Dedication, Taken Too Soon
Hidekel “E.D.” Cornelio was known by colleagues for his reliability and kindness, consistently going above and beyond to serve customers in both residential and commercial areas. Delivery drivers often work long hours under demanding conditions, but Cornelio approached each day with positivity and professionalism that left a lasting impression.
“He always had a smile,” one coworker recalled. “Even when the weather was rough or the route was long, he made everyone feel like they mattered. He cared about the people he delivered to, and they cared about him.”
Those who lived along his route often referred to him by name, waving when they saw his truck and sometimes stopping for a brief friendly exchange. Stories have emerged on social media from local residents who recall his courteous manner and his willingness to lend a hand beyond the call of duty — whether helping someone carry a package inside or simply sharing a kind word during a long day.
His supervisors noted that Cornelio was not only dependable but also respected for his work ethic and positive attitude. He had been with the company for several years and had recently taken on more responsibilities, a reflection of his commitment to his role.
The Scene of the Incident
The location of the incident — Highway 64 East near Lake Tyler — is a well-traveled corridor in Smith County that connects various residential and rural communities. The Lake Tyler Farmers Market, located nearby, is a common landmark that draws both visitors and regular traffic, particularly in the early afternoons.
According to witnesses and preliminary reports, Cornelio’s truck was properly parked on the shoulder of the road while he was conducting his delivery. Details about the visibility, road conditions, and behavior of the other vehicle involved have not yet been disclosed, and the Smith County Sheriff’s Office continues to gather evidence, review dashcam footage, and speak with witnesses.
One nearby business owner who was present shortly after the incident described the scene as deeply distressing, with emergency vehicles lining the highway and several motorists stopping out of concern. “You never expect something like that,” the witness said. “He was just doing his job. It could have been any one of us out there.”
Growing Concerns About Roadside Worker Safety
Cornelio’s passing has renewed calls for greater protections for roadside workers, including delivery personnel who frequently exit their vehicles on high-traffic roads with little to no shoulder space. In Texas and across the country, similar incidents have brought attention to the risks delivery drivers face daily.
While some commercial drivers operate in densely populated urban zones, others, like Cornelio, work in semi-rural areas where road shoulders may be narrow and visibility limited. Experts have long emphasized the importance of public awareness and driver caution when approaching parked delivery trucks or service vehicles.
“There is often an assumption that the danger is limited to emergency responders, but delivery drivers are out there every day in similar high-risk situations,” said a local transportation safety advocate. “This tragedy underscores the need for increased public education and possibly legislative action.”
A Community Responds with Grief and Gratitude
In the days following the incident, tributes have poured in from across Smith County and beyond. A small memorial was placed near the site where Cornelio’s truck had been parked, with flowers, candles, and handwritten notes left by community members who had come to know him through his work.
FedEx, the company he worked for, issued a brief statement expressing their condolences: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of one of our team members in Smith County. Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and coworkers during this incredibly difficult time.”
An internal memo was also sent to regional employees, offering grief counseling services and encouraging staff to take time to process the loss. Coworkers are said to be organizing a remembrance gathering later this month, where friends and family will be invited to share stories and celebrate Cornelio’s life.
Local churches and community organizations have also stepped up to provide emotional and spiritual support, as well as practical aid. A crowdfunding page was created by close friends to assist the family with funeral arrangements, and within 48 hours, hundreds of people had contributed — a testament to the impact Cornelio had on the lives of those around him.
A Legacy of Kindness and Service
Though his life was tragically cut short, those who knew Cornelio say his legacy will live on through the countless small acts of kindness he performed every day. In the modern world, where fast-paced routines often leave little room for personal connection, he was a rare example of someone who made time for people, even during the busiest workdays.
“He showed us that doing your job with heart can really touch lives,” said a neighbor from one of the neighborhoods on his route. “He wasn’t just the FedEx guy — he was a part of our daily lives. We’ll miss him deeply.”
Family members, while understandably devastated, have expressed gratitude for the support they’ve received and asked for privacy as they mourn. Plans for a public memorial service are in progress, with details to be shared in the coming days.
Moving Forward
The Smith County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the incident, and the findings will likely determine whether charges will be filed or if further safety recommendations are issued for similar roadways. For now, the community remains focused on healing and honoring a young man who gave his best each day and left behind a legacy of humility and service.
As the sun sets over Highway 64 East, the road where Cornelio worked and walked daily now carries a different weight. For some, it will remain a symbol of loss; for others, a reminder to slow down, stay alert, and recognize the humanity in every worker who keeps our daily lives running — often unnoticed, but never unimportant.
In the end, Cornelio’s life reminds us of how deeply we are all connected — even through a simple delivery, a wave, or a kind word. May his memory continue to inspire those who knew him, and may his story bring about greater care and compassion for all workers whose service places them in harm’s way.
