The Tyler community is waking up to heavy hearts this week as they mourn the loss of Rodolfo Mora. At 68 years old, Rodolfo was a man who still had so much life ahead of him, but everything changed in a single, tragic moment on a busy stretch of road. On a Thursday that should have been like any other, a quiet walk turned into a nightmare that has left a local family searching for answers and a neighborhood in shock.
It all unfolded in the 200 block of East NE Loop 323, right near the intersection with Lavender Road. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Rodolfo was on foot, heading north on County Road 35. As he attempted to cross the eastbound lanes of the Loop, he was struck by a passenger car in the inside lane. The impact was devastating, and despite the quick arrival of first responders, there was nothing they could do. Smith County Justice of the Peace Andy Dunklin eventually arrived to deliver the news no family ever wants to hear, pronouncing Rodolfo dead right there at the scene.
While the flashing lights have since faded, the investigation into what exactly went wrong is just beginning. State troopers have confirmed that an autopsy was ordered to assist in the official review of the crash. As of now, the driver of the car—who walked away from the collision without physical injuries—is not facing any charges. Authorities are still combing through the evidence to piece together the final seconds before the accident, keeping the case under active review.
Behind the clinical details of a police report, however, is the story of a man who meant the world to those around him. Rodolfo Mora wasn’t just a “pedestrian” or a statistic on a highway; he was a pillar of his family. He was a father, a grandfather, and a friend whose 68 years were defined by hard work and a deep connection to the Tyler area. Those who knew him best describe a man who was always a familiar, friendly face—someone whose absence leaves a massive, quiet void in the rooms he used to fill.
The grief in Tyler is palpable as neighbors struggle to accept that someone so vital to their daily lives is suddenly gone. For his family, the routine of everyday life now feels painfully incomplete. They aren’t just mourning a loss; they are remembering a man who carried a lifetime of stories and love. The community has begun to rally around them, offering a wave of sympathy and support that shows just how much Rodolfo truly mattered to this city.
This tragedy has also reignited a difficult conversation about safety on our local roads. Loop 323 is one of the busiest arteries in Tyler, and this incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of just how vulnerable people are when they’re traveling on foot. As investigators continue their work to find the facts, the people of Tyler are focusing on the person, ensuring that Rodolfo’s legacy is defined by the life he lived rather than the way it ended.
As the sun sets over East Texas, the memory of Rodolfo Mora remains bright in the hearts of his loved ones. Though the pain of his sudden passing is immense, the outpouring of love from the community stands as a testament to his impact. He was a man who was deeply loved, and in Tyler, he will certainly never be forgotten.
