TEMPLE, Bell County, Texas, Nov. 13, 2026 — A 79-year-old Temple man died on Wednesday night, November 11, after he was struck by an SUV while walking along State Highway 53, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Authorities identified the victim as Dwayne Burnell Williams, and they said Williams was walking eastbound on SH 53 near the 12000 block when he was hit by a 2016 Buick SUV that was also traveling eastbound, driven by a 69-year-old woman from Conroe. The crash happened at about 8:27 p.m.
Williams was pronounced dead at the scene. The stretch of SH 53 was shut down for several hours following the crash while authorities worked the scene. DPS said the cause of the crash has not yet been determined and the investigation is ongoing.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the deceased.
Local Crash Information for Temple, TX
The pedestrian crash was reported on State Highway 53 in Temple. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Bell County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can drivers avoid hitting someone walking along the road?
Slowing down in areas without sidewalks or street lighting, staying alert for pedestrians at night, and giving extra space when passing someone walking along the shoulder can help drivers react in time.
What injuries are most common when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian?
Pedestrians struck by vehicles frequently suffer head trauma, broken bones, and internal injuries, since they have no protection from the impact.
What usually leads to pedestrian crashes like this one?
Common factors include low visibility at night, a vehicle drifting toward the shoulder, and pedestrians walking along roads without sidewalks or crosswalks.
Does vehicle speed affect whether a pedestrian survives being hit?
Yes. Pedestrians struck at higher speeds face a much greater risk of fatal injury than those struck at lower speeds, since slower impacts give more time to react and reduce the force of the collision.
