El Paso County, TX — December 26, 2025, Miguel Rodriguez was killed in a pedestrian versus hit-and-run car accident just after 12:00 midnight on U.S. Highway 54.

According to authorities, 36-year-old Miguel Rodriguez had been on foot in the shoulder of U.S. Highway 54 in the vicinity south of Ellerthorpe Avenue when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, Rodriguez was struck by a northbound vehicle of unknown make or model. The vehicle allegedly fled the scene, the person(s) inside failing to stop and render aid of any sort to the victim.

Rodriguez reportedly sustained critical injuries due to the collision; he was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive immediate treatment. However, he was ultimately unable to overcome the severity of his injuries, having later been declared deceased.

Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When someone walking along a highway shoulder is struck and the driver leaves the scene, investigators face immediate pressure to determine what happened—without the benefit of a firsthand account. In these cases, the depth and direction of the investigation can make all the difference in finding answers.

1. Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
Since the driver left, scene evidence becomes the only witness. Investigators should have carefully documented where the collision occurred, noted debris scatter, tire marks, and any signs of vehicle trajectory. Given the late hour, lighting conditions and visibility also matter—but only in terms of how the investigation was conducted. It’s also worth asking whether nearby businesses or highway cameras were checked for footage, as these can often help track the vehicle involved.

2. Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
Even though the driver fled, that doesn’t mean the vehicle itself played no role. A lighting failure, brake malfunction, or tire issue might have contributed to the initial impact or the driver’s loss of control. Without the vehicle on hand, these questions are harder to answer, but any leads that help locate it could also help determine whether a defect was involved.

3. Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
With no one present to account for the events, the case depends heavily on digital evidence. Traffic cameras, private security footage, dashcams, or even GPS data from vehicles in the area could help trace the suspect vehicle’s route. Investigators may also consider whether the victim’s phone or wearable devices captured relevant data.

When the facts are limited and the driver isn’t available for questioning, it becomes even more important to work every angle. Careful, wide-ranging investigation is often the only path to clarity.

Takeaways:

• Thorough scene analysis is critical when no driver remains at the scene.
• A mechanical issue may have played a role, even if the vehicle fled.
• Surveillance and digital data may be key to identifying the vehicle and reconstructing the crash.