A 37-year-old man from Premont, identified as Randy Davila, lost his life after being struck by a vehicle along Business 281 just outside the Premont city limits on the evening of January 16, 2026. He succumbed to his injuries the following day despite emergency medical efforts.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:35 p.m. when Davila attempted to cross Business 281 from east to west. At that moment, a southbound 2022 Chevrolet Silverado was traveling in the inside lane. Troopers reported that the truck’s front right side struck Davila as he entered the roadway. The collision happened just beyond the boundaries of Premont, a small city in Jim Wells County, Texas, where Business 281 serves as a busy thoroughfare.
The driver of the Silverado reacted immediately after the impact. Authorities confirmed that the driver stopped at the scene and called 911 without delay. This quick response ensured that emergency services were dispatched promptly to the location of the crash. The driver cooperated fully with law enforcement officers during the initial investigation, which is a critical factor in reconstructing the events leading to the collision.
Emergency responders from Allegiance EMS arrived and transported Davila to Christus Spohn Hospital in Alice. Given the severity of his injuries, he was later airlifted to Christus Spohn Shoreline in Corpus Christi for advanced care. Despite these efforts, Davila’s condition did not improve, and he was pronounced dead on January 17, one day after the crash.
The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that the Highway Patrol Office in Alice is leading the investigation into the incident. Troopers are examining the circumstances surrounding the crash, including visibility conditions, traffic flow, and Davila’s attempt to cross the busy roadway. Investigators have not released further details about potential contributing factors, but the case remains under review.
This tragedy highlights the dangers pedestrians face when crossing high-traffic highways such as Business 281, particularly outside city limits where lighting and pedestrian infrastructure may be limited. Randy Davila’s death underscores the importance of vigilance for both drivers and pedestrians in rural Texas communities, where roadways often double as critical transport routes and pose significant risks when safety measures are not fully in place.