Deaf Smith County, TX — October 23, 2025, Kelly Wagner was killed in a car accident at about 7:30 a.m. on U.S. Route 385 near Vega.

Authorities said a Chevrolet Silverado and a Ford Explorer collided near County Road 26.

Ford driver Kelly Wagner, 57, died after being transported to an area hospital, according to authorities.

Chevrolet driver Makayla Munoz, 27, and her three children suffered minor injuries, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Deaf Smith County crash at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Events like this often leave behind a chain of unanswered questions. In situations involving serious crashes, it’s important to look beyond the surface to understand the full picture.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? It’s not known whether investigators took steps beyond the basics in examining this collision. In higher-level crash investigations, officers may use laser mapping, reconstruct vehicle movements and assess driver behavior in the moments leading up to impact. Without confirmation of those efforts, it’s unclear whether key information — like speed, lane position or reaction time — was properly captured. Differences in training and resources across agencies often mean that the depth of crash analysis can vary.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? Even when damage appears straightforward, it's still worth asking whether either vehicle may have experienced a malfunction. Modern vehicles rely on systems that can fail without warning, like brakes, steering or electronic driver aids. A thorough mechanical inspection would help rule out or identify any such issues, especially when one vehicle experiences more severe consequences than the other.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Modern vehicles and devices often record a wealth of information before a collision. Data from engine control modules, GPS and smartphones can show speed, braking or possible distraction. Reviewing this digital evidence can confirm or challenge initial assumptions about how the crash occurred. If that data hasn’t been retrieved and preserved, investigators might be working without the full context.

Asking these questions isn’t about second-guessing. It’s about making sure that every relevant detail is brought into view. In any serious crash, a careful review of what’s known, and what might still be missing, is essential.

Key Takeaways:

• It’s unclear whether the crash investigation involved detailed scene analysis or reconstruction.
• Mechanical failures can go unnoticed unless vehicles are thoroughly inspected.
• Vehicle and phone data may offer critical insight but must be collected promptly.