Port Arthur, TX (March 23, 2025) – First responders, including paramedics, assessed and treated an injured pedestrian following a collision on the 5500 block of Gulfway Dr late Friday night. Despite life-saving efforts at the scene, the pedestrian, 70-year-old Deborah Henton, tragically died from her injuries.
The fatal crash occurred around 10 p.m. in a dimly lit area of Gulfway Dr. Upon arrival, Port Arthur Police officers and medics attempted emergency interventions, but Henton was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver involved in the incident remained on site and cooperated with responding officers, according to Port Arthur Police Chief Tim Duriso.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the collision and are working to determine the sequence of events that led to the tragedy. The crash site was closed for several hours overnight as investigators processed the scene and collected evidence.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Deborah Henton during this incredibly difficult time.
Dangers of Auto-Pedestrian Collisions in Southeast Texas
Fatal pedestrian crashes—like the one on Gulfway Dr in Port Arthur—are an all-too-frequent occurrence across Southeast Texas. These tragedies often happen in areas where street lighting is limited and pedestrian infrastructure, such as sidewalks and crosswalks, is inconsistent. Older adults, like 70-year-old Deborah Henton, face heightened vulnerability in such environments, especially at night.
Port Arthur and similar cities have seen rising concerns around pedestrian safety, particularly along long, multi-lane corridors like Gulfway Dr that serve both commercial and residential zones. Pedestrians often cross outside of designated intersections, while drivers may have limited visibility during evening hours. These risk factors combine to make nighttime crashes more likely and often more severe.
The emotional and legal aftermath of a fatal auto-pedestrian crash is difficult for any family to face. In addition to mourning a sudden loss, loved ones are often left with unanswered questions about fault, conditions at the scene, and whether more could have been done to prevent the incident. This is why thorough investigations—like the one now underway in Port Arthur—are so vital.
If someone you know has been affected by a fatal pedestrian crash, reach out to Local Accident Reports for resources, guidance, and compassionate support.
