LUBBOCK COUNTY, Texas — A 32-year-old Idalou man has died following a single-vehicle crash Tuesday evening in Lubbock County. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) identified the victim as Francisco Duran-Rascon, who succumbed to his injuries shortly after being taken to the hospital.
According to preliminary reports, the crash occurred around 6:14 p.m. near FM 400 and County Road 7000. Investigators said Duran-Rascon was traveling northbound on FM 400 when his vehicle veered off the roadway and entered a ditch on the east side of the highway. In an effort to regain control, the vehicle began to rotate and slide, crossing back over the road before entering another ditch on the west side, where it rolled over and came to a stop.
Emergency personnel from Lubbock County and DPS troopers quickly responded to the scene. Duran-Rascon was transported to University Medical Center in Lubbock, but despite the efforts of medical staff, he was pronounced dead from his injuries. Officials confirmed that he was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash — a factor investigators believe contributed to the severity of his injuries.
Authorities noted that weather conditions were clear and the roadway was dry when the crash occurred, suggesting that environmental factors were not a cause. The Texas Department of Public Safety continues to investigate the incident to determine whether speed, distraction, or another factor played a role in the loss of control.
Residents in Idalou expressed sorrow upon learning of the fatal crash, describing Duran-Rascon as a hardworking and friendly member of the community. “He was a good man and always had a smile,” one acquaintance said. “It’s so sad to lose someone so young.”
Officials are once again reminding drivers about the life-saving importance of seatbelts, emphasizing that many crash fatalities can be prevented by simply buckling up. DPS urged all motorists to stay alert, avoid distractions, and use proper restraints every time they drive, no matter how short the trip. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.