Armstrong County, TX — February 5, 2026, Robert McGuire was killed and another was injured in a car accident at approximately 5:00 a.m. along Claude Highway (F.M. 1151).

According to authorities, 23-year-old Robert McGuire was traveling in a westbound vehicle on F.M. 1151 near the C.R. 5 intersection when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, the vehicle swerved to the right and into a roadside ditch before entering a sideways skid. It then veered into the oncoming lane of the highway where it was involved in a collision with an eastbound pickup truck.

McGuire, who had reportedly sustained fatal injuries over the course of the accident, was declared deceased at the scene. The man who had been behind the wheel of the pickup truck reportedly sustained non-life-threatening injuries, as well; he was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

After crashes that result in a loss of life, early explanations often focus on the final movements of the vehicles involved. But when a vehicle leaves its lane, reenters traffic, and a fatal collision follows, the more important issue is whether anyone looked closely at what caused that sequence to begin.

Was the crash thoroughly investigated?
In a crash involving a vehicle that first leaves the roadway and then collides with oncoming traffic, a proper investigation should go well beyond describing a swerve or skid. Investigators should examine how the vehicle was traveling before it entered the ditch, what may have triggered the initial deviation, and how the vehicle behaved as control was lost. That can include mapping the vehicle’s full path, reviewing tire marks, and analyzing damage patterns to understand steering and braking input. The depth of this work often depends on the training and experience of the responding officers. Some are equipped to reconstruct complex loss-of-control events, while others may rely on surface-level observations. In fatal cases, that difference matters.

Has anyone looked into a possible vehicle defect?
When a vehicle suddenly swerves and enters a skid, mechanical issues should be carefully considered. Steering components, tire condition, suspension systems, and brake performance can all contribute to unexpected loss of control. Modern vehicles also rely on electronic stability systems designed to help drivers regain control during sudden maneuvers, but those systems do not always function as intended. These problems are not always visible at the scene and often require a detailed mechanical inspection to uncover.

Was all available electronic data collected?
Electronic data can be critical in understanding what happened before the vehicle left its lane. Vehicle systems may record speed, braking, steering input, and stability-control activity. Phone data can help clarify whether distraction played a role, and GPS or other digital records can help establish timing and movement. This information is time-sensitive. If it is not preserved early, it can be lost, leaving important questions unanswered.

When a crash leads to a fatal outcome and serious injuries, careful questions matter. A thorough investigation, close inspection of the vehicles involved, and full collection of electronic data help move the case beyond assumptions and toward a clearer understanding of how the collision unfolded.

Key Takeaways:

• Fatal crashes involving loss of control require detailed reconstruction.
• Mechanical or system failures can contribute to sudden skids and lane departures.
• Electronic data can clarify what happened before the vehicle entered oncoming traffic.