A tragic accident in North Texas on Wednesday afternoon claimed the life of one woman and left another hospitalized after their vehicle veered off the road and struck a tree. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed the incident occurred around 4:40 p.m. along Tucker Drive, just north of Deer Track Road.
According to investigators, a 1996 Ford Bronco traveling northbound suddenly left the roadway before colliding with a tree. A witness reported that the driver appeared to slump over behind the wheel moments before the vehicle drifted off course. Authorities believe a possible medical episode may have contributed to the crash, though the cause has not been officially confirmed.
The driver was identified as 61-year-old Karen Winegarner of Weatherford, who was transported to Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth for treatment. While the extent of her injuries has not been publicly released, officials confirmed she survived the collision and remains under medical care.
The passenger, however, did not survive. Authorities identified her as 82-year-old Carolyn Otto of Lakeville, Minnesota. She was rushed to a local hospital following the crash but was later pronounced dead despite efforts from emergency personnel and doctors. Her death has left family and friends grieving both in Texas and in her Minnesota hometown.
DPS investigators continue to examine the circumstances leading to the crash. Toxicology results, medical evaluations, and scene analysis will help determine whether a health issue, impairment, or other factor played a role. Officials noted that Tucker Drive is a relatively quiet stretch of rural roadway, but like many similar roads across Texas, its narrow shoulders and tree-lined edges leave little margin for error if a vehicle leaves its lane.
Community members expressed shock over the fatal accident, with many highlighting the unpredictability of medical emergencies while driving. Safety experts urge drivers with health concerns to undergo regular checkups and consult with their physicians about driving risks. For now, the Winegarner family is focused on her recovery, while loved ones of Carolyn Otto prepare to honor her memory after her sudden passing. The crash remains under active investigation, with DPS expected to release further findings in the coming weeks.