Late Thursday morning, around 1:30 a.m., tragedy struck on Business I-20 near County Road 1247 in Midland County, Texas. A 69-year-old man, Charles Edward Hall of Austin, was fatally struck by a van while walking in the roadway. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is still investigating the incident.
According to preliminary DPS reports, a 2023 Ford Transit van, driven by 30-year-old Omar Quintero of El Paso, was traveling westbound in the left lane of BI-20 when it attempted to merge right. At the same time, Hall reportedly entered the roadway and failed to yield the right of way. Quintero was unable to avoid the collision.
Responders rushed to the scene, but Hall’s injuries were too severe for medical assistance to save him. No other vehicles were involved, and Quintero emerged from the crash uninjured. There is currently no indication that impairment or foul play played a role.
As of now, no charges or citations have been issued. The DPS is collecting witness statements, vehicle data, and examining the crash scene to reconstruct exactly how events unfolded. Investigators will evaluate factors such as lighting, visibility, vehicle speed, and pedestrian positioning to determine what led to the collision.
Pedestrian fatalities remain a persistent concern in Texas. Authorities continue to urge pedestrians to use sidewalks when available, stay off roadways, and wear reflective clothing at night. Drivers, especially on rural or dark stretches, are implored to remain alert and cautious.
Local residents expressed sorrow over the loss, and extended their condolences to Hall’s family. DPS officials say they will release further details once the investigation is complete. This tragic event underscores the delicate balance between road safety and human vulnerability—especially during the quiet hours when visibility is low and split-second decisions carry irreversible consequences.
