Ballinger Teen Driver Killed in Devastating Highway Crash

BALLINGER, TX – A teen driver was killed on Monday night after a highway crash ejected him from his pickup.

According to a crash report published by the Texas Department of Public Safety, on May 2 at 6:11 p.m., troopers with the Texas DPS were dispatched to US 83, three miles north of Ballinger, for the report of a major crash.

When they arrived, the troopers discovered a 2013 Chrysler Town and Country and a 2001 Ford F-150 that had crashed in the middle of the highway. 

In the Town and Country, the driver, Amy M. Rodriguez, 47, of Winters, was transported to Ballinger Memorial Hospital where she was treated and released. The driver of the Ford pickup was ejected from his vehicle and was rushed to Ballinger Memorial Hospital.

The 16-year-old male of Ballinger was later pronounced dead at the hospital. His body was taken to Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger. His name has not been released at this time.

The investigation by the DPS determined that the Ford pickup was traveling North on US-83 and at some point pulled over onto the right shoulder.

As the Town and Country approached from behind, the Ford attempted a U-turn in front of the Town and Countryand was struck on the left front side. This cause the driver to be ejected.

At the time of the crash the weather was clear and the road was dry. The post speed limit at the location of the crash is 75 mph.

The DPS report did confirm that the teen driver was not wearing his seatbelt

Ballinger High School released the following statement regarding the crash. 

"It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we share news of the death of one of our Ballinger High School students as a result of a car accident on Monday, May 2. We know that a student’s passing is a difficult experience for the family, friends, staff, and our community. Ballinger ISD will have counselors on hand for the remainder of the week at the secondary campus for students and staff. Please feel free to contact our school counselors if you need help. Our prayers are for comfort and peace for everyone affected by this tragic event." - Jeff Butts BISD Superintendent