Marissa Burke, 17, Dies Days After Being Hit by Suspected Drunk Driver Near Deer Park High School

Deer Park, Texas (November 17, 2023) – Marissa Burke, 17, has died from injuries sustained when she was hit by a vehicle as she walked home from school in Deer Park.

Marissa, who was a 10th grader at Deer Park High School South Campus, was struck by a suspected drunk driver in the area of Georgia Avenue and Wildwood Drive on Tuesday, November 14.

Marissa was flown to Memorial Herman Hospital where she was placed on life-support for several days.

The driver, Leland Benfrank Smith, has since been charged with intoxication assault, according to Deer Park police.

Original Story

Teen Girl Dies After Being Struck by Suspected Drunk Driver While Walking Home From Deer Park High School

Deer Park, Texas (November 17, 2023) – A teen girl who was struck and critically injured by a suspected drunk driver while walking home from school on Tuesday is dead, according to Deer Park Police Department.

The 17-year-old girl was struck by a pickup truck at around 3:30 p.m. on November 14, in the area of Georgia Avenue and Wildwood Drive.

Police say the girl was walking home from Deer Park High School’s south campus when she was hit by the truck. She was rushed to the Memorial Herman Hospital where she was placed on life support for several days.

According to the police, the driver of the truck, identified as Leland Befrank Smith, 55, lost control of his truck and veered into the sidewalk where he crashed into a light pole before striking the girl.

Police say Smith failed a sobriety test and was taken into custody for intoxication assault.

The girl was a 10th grader at Deer Park High School’s south campus.

Common Causes of Automobile Accidents

There are many different reasons why automobile, pedestrian, 18-wheeler, bicycle, and motorcycle accidents occur, including driver negligence, driver inattention, texting and driving, speeding, fatigue, failure to yield the right of way from a stop sign, or private drive, running a red light, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While the factors listed above are the main causes of most accidents, there may also be other factors involved, which is why it’s important that an investigation be conducted before evidence disappears, especially in cases involving a fatality.  At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we will act quickly to secure accident scene photos, interview witnesses, obtain police records, and secure other valuable evidence needed to win your case.  Call now for a free consultation.

To speak with an attorney Click to call: 281-943-5555.