Frances Woodard, Mary Watts ID’d as Two Women Killed in Childress County Crash on U.S. 287

Childress County, Texas (August 26, 2023) – The two Childress women who died following a two-vehicle crash on Thursday afternoon in Childress County have been identified as 85-year-old Frances Woodard and 84-year-old Mary Watts of Childress.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the deadly crash happened at around 1:10 p.m. Thursday, August 24, on U.S. 287, about seven miles northwest of Childress.

DPS said a 2004 Toyota Tundra, occupied by Woodard and Watts, was stopped at the stop sign facing west on the southbound side of U.S. 287 while a 2008 Dodge Ram 3500 was traveling south on U.S. 287 and approaching that intersection.

The driver of the Toyota, Woodard, reportedly failed to yield the right of way to southbound traffic and attempted to cross over the southbound lanes to start driving north on U.S. 287 but pulled out in front of the path of the Dodge.

The driver of the Dodge tried to break, but he could not stop in time to avoid a collision and struck the Toyota on the driver’s side door.

Woodard died at the scene while Watts was flown to an Amarillo hospital, where he later succumbed to her injuries. Woodard and Watts were not wearing seat belts at the time of the accident.

The driver of the Dodge sustained minor injuries and was taken to a hospital in the Childress area.

The crash remains under investigation.

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.

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