Salado, Texas: Robert Martin of Dallas Dies Following Multi-Vehicle Collision Triggered by Deer on I-35
SALADO, Texas — A deadly multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 35 has left the Salado community and the victim’s family mourning the tragic loss of 24-year-old Robert Martin, a Dallas resident.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday morning, around 3:38 a.m., according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Authorities report that Martin was traveling northbound in a 2020 Toyota RAV on Interstate 35 when his vehicle struck a deer in the roadway.
The initial impact with the deer caused significant damage to Martin’s vehicle, leaving it disabled and stalled in the middle lane. With limited visibility and early morning traffic moving at highway speeds, Martin’s situation quickly became critical.
Moments later, a delivery truck traveling in the same northbound direction collided with the rear of Martin’s stationary vehicle. The force of the collision propelled the Toyota over the concrete center divider and into the southbound lanes of the highway.
As the vehicle entered oncoming traffic, it was struck again—this time by a 2015 GMC SUV traveling southbound. The secondary impact resulted in catastrophic damage to the vehicle, and Martin was pronounced deceased at the scene by responding authorities.
The drivers of both the delivery truck and the GMC SUV remained on scene and cooperated fully with the investigation. No further injuries were immediately reported by officials, and the identities of the other drivers have not been released at this time.
Emergency responders from the Salado Police Department, Bell County EMS, and local fire crews arrived quickly to manage the scene, which required several hours of road closures and traffic redirection. The crash caused significant delays for early morning commuters along Interstate 35.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has launched a full investigation into the crash. Preliminary findings point to the initial deer strike as the contributing factor, though additional elements such as speed, driver attentiveness, and lighting conditions are also being reviewed.
Local residents expressed concern about the dangers of wildlife on highways, especially in early morning hours when visibility is low. Community members and officials alike are calling for increased awareness and possible roadway improvements to help reduce the chances of such incidents.
Robert Martin’s death has sent waves of grief through both his hometown of Dallas and the community of Salado. Known to friends and family as a kind, hardworking individual, his unexpected passing is a stark reminder of the risks drivers face on highways shared with wildlife.
As the investigation continues, authorities urge all motorists to drive with caution, especially during low-light conditions, and to remain vigilant for unexpected obstacles. Plans for Martin’s memorial service have not yet been made public.
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