On the evening of January 7, 2026, Nakita Kim Smith, 51, of Gause, Texas, died in a terrible rear-end crash on U.S. Route 190 in Milam County close to Cameron. The event happened about 0.1 mile west of County Road 215A at 7:50 p.m.
Investigators from the Texas Department of Public Safety concluded that Smith was riding her bicycle west in the travel lane when a 2006 Chevrolet pickup truck, which was also traveling west, abruptly and unavoidably hit her from behind.
The force of the collision inflicted catastrophic injuries on Smith, propelling her from the bicycle and leaving the vehicle with significant front-end damage amid scattered debris on the roadway. Troopers noted that the pickup driver reported not seeing the bicyclist ahead, a factor potentially influenced by the diminishing natural light, absence of dedicated bike lanes on this section of US 190, and possible reflections or shadows common in rural Texas evenings.
Emergency responders, including DPS troopers, Milam County Sheriff’s deputies, and local EMS crews, arrived promptly to the remote location, securing the scene with flares and barriers while assessing the situation under portable floodlights. Paramedics provided immediate care at the roadside.
However, the extent of Smith’s trauma—consistent with high-velocity blunt force—left no opportunity for survival. She was officially pronounced deceased at the scene by attending medical personnel, sparing a transport that would have offered little hope amid the profound injuries sustained in the direct strike.
The Chevrolet pickup driver remained at the scene, cooperating fully with arriving authorities as standard protocols for fatal crashes were initiated, including breath and field sobriety tests to rule out impairment. No immediate charges were filed, with the investigation focusing on reconstructive analysis of skid marks, vehicle positioning, and lighting conditions to determine contributory elements like bicycle reflectors or rear illumination.
Nakita Kim Smith lived a life rooted in the everyday rhythms and connections of small-town Texas in Gause. Her presence contributed to the community’s fabric through personal ties and routine pursuits amid Milam County’s open landscapes. She leaves behind a legacy of a life well lived, touched by the quiet resilience and meaning found in shared moments within close-knit rural surroundings.