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FORT WORTH, Tarrant County, Texas, Sept. 18, 2026 — A person who stopped to help after a crash on I-35W was struck and killed early Friday morning, September 18, according to authorities. Fort Worth police and fire crews were called to the scene near Felix Street at about 2:30 a.m.
Authorities said an initial crash happened on the freeway, and at least one bystander pulled over to check on the people involved. While assisting them, that person was reportedly hit by a passing vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Details on the original crash, including how many vehicles or people were involved, have not been released. It is not yet known whether the driver who struck the good Samaritan remained at the scene or whether charges are under consideration.
Both directions of I-35W were shut down for several hours overnight while crews worked the scene and cleared the roadway. Authorities reopened the freeway after the investigation at the site concluded.
The name of the person killed has not been released by authorities. Fort Worth police said the crash remains under investigation.
Our sympathies are with the family of the person who lost their life.
How Investigators Piece Together a Freeway Crash in Fort Worth, TX
When a fatal crash happens on a freeway overnight, officers first have to secure the scene and get lanes closed safely, often while traffic is still moving at highway speed nearby. That initial work- measuring skid marks, photographing vehicle positions, collecting debris, takes priority over answering outside questions, which is one reason early details stay limited.
Identifying everyone involved and confirming next of kin comes before any name is released publicly. Agencies generally wait until family has been formally notified before naming a victim, even when a name is already circulating informally. That step alone can take hours or, in complicated cases, longer.
A full reconstruction, including speed estimates, toxicology screening, and a determination of exactly how the second collision occurred, typically takes weeks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 37,654 fatal traffic crashes occurred in 2023, and each one goes through a similar process of scene work, lab results, and report writing before it is officially closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does seat belt use matter so much in crashes like this?
Seat belts keep occupants from being thrown from a vehicle or thrown into its interior during a crash, which lowers the chance of fatal injury substantially, especially in high-speed freeway collisions.
What should families do after a fatal crash?
Families can contact the investigating agency for updates, request the police report once it's finalized, and reach out to the medical examiner's office for information on the official cause of death and release timelines.
How are fatal crashes investigated, and how long does it take?
Officers document the scene, interview witnesses, and often bring in a reconstruction team to analyze speed and impact. Toxicology and lab results can take several weeks, so a final report is rarely available right away.
What to Do After a Roadside Assistance Crash in Fort Worth, TX
Stopping to help someone after a crash comes from a good place, but roadside safety matters just as much as the instinct to act. If you pull over to assist, try to park well clear of traffic lanes, turn on hazard lights, and stay alert to oncoming vehicles at all times.
Anyone involved in or witnessing a roadside incident should call 911 immediately and let responding officers manage traffic control rather than stepping into live lanes. If you're injured, even mildly, seek a medical evaluation promptly, since some injuries from being struck or from a fall aren't obvious right away.
For anyone affected by an incident like this in Fort Worth, keeping a copy of any police report number and following up with the department's records division can help with insurance or other next steps down the line.
