Odessa, TX — February 4, 2025, Leslie Tena was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 6:11 P.M. on State Highway 176.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person dead during the evening hours of January 4th. According to official reports, Leslie Tena was traveling in a Land Rover on State Highway 176 in the eastbound lanes when the vehicle suffered a tire blowout. The vehicle then lost control and went off-road where it went into a ditch. struck a fence, and rolled over, ejecting Tena in the process.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that Tena had sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased. At this time it remains unknown what caused the blowout, and further details of the crash have not been released, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that those affected deserve clear answers about what happened. While initial reports provide basic details, they often leave out critical information that can help determine why the crash occurred and whether anything could have been done to prevent it. To get a full picture, there are three key questions that need to be asked in every crash investigation.

The first question is whether authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. Law enforcement will typically document the scene, assess road conditions, and examine physical evidence, but the depth of these investigations can vary. In a case where a vehicle loses control due to a reported tire blowout, investigators should determine whether road hazards, debris, or improper maintenance may have contributed. Additionally, since the driver was ejected from the vehicle, it is important to examine whether seat belts and other safety systems functioned as intended.

The second question is whether anyone has considered the possibility of a vehicle defect. Many people assume that tire failures result from wear and tear, but defective tires have been responsible for numerous crashes. Investigators should determine whether the tire in question was subject to a recall, if it was properly maintained, and whether it failed under normal operating conditions. Additionally, since the vehicle rolled over, its design and crashworthiness should be examined to determine whether it provided adequate protection. If a defect played a role in the crash, identifying it is critical—not just for this case, but to prevent similar incidents in the future. However, proving a defect requires access to the vehicle and tires before they are discarded or altered.

The third question is whether all available electronic data has been collected. The vehicle likely contains an electronic control module (ECM), which stores critical crash-related data, including speed, braking, and steering inputs in the moments leading up to the incident. Additionally, surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras could provide further clarity about what happened. If investigators fail to collect this data quickly, it may be lost, making it harder to determine the full picture of how the crash occurred.

At the end of the day, crashes like this don’t just affect those directly involved—they leave families searching for answers. The least we can do as a community is ensure that every crash is investigated as thoroughly as possible so that those answers are found. No one should be left wondering what really happened when the evidence to find out is within reach.