DONNA, Texas – A tragic crash in Donna claimed the life of 58-year-old Francisco Perez Lopez Tuesday afternoon, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). Authorities say Lopez died after his pickup truck veered off the road and collided with a fence near the intersection of Valverde and Minnesota roads.
The accident happened just before 3 p.m. as Lopez was driving his Dodge pickup southbound. For reasons still under investigation, the truck crossed into the northbound lanes and sideswiped another vehicle before leaving the roadway. While the occupants of the other vehicle were not reported to have suffered serious injuries, Lopez’s truck struck a fence with devastating force, causing critical injuries.
Emergency crews quickly transported Lopez to a local hospital, but despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead a short time later. DPS troopers said he was the only person inside the truck at the time of the crash. The vehicle sustained extensive damage in the violent collision.
Investigators are working to determine what caused Lopez to lose control. Possible factors include distraction, fatigue, mechanical failure, or a medical emergency. Toxicology tests are standard in fatal crashes, though authorities have not suggested impairment played a role. Witness statements, vehicle inspections, and roadway evidence will all be used to piece together the sequence of events.
The crash site, located at Valverde and Minnesota roads, is a well-traveled area where residential and rural traffic frequently intersect. Local residents have expressed concern about safety along the corridor, which has seen an increase in traffic in recent years. DPS officials continue to stress the importance of alert driving, especially on two-lane roads where vehicles often travel at high speeds in opposite directions.
For family and friends of Lopez, the crash is a heartbreaking loss. At 58, he was a community member whose sudden passing has left loved ones mourning. As Donna residents rally around the grieving family, authorities are reminding drivers that single-vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of fatalities statewide. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly routine travel can turn tragic on Texas roads.