Ryon Smith Killed in Hit-and-Run Car Accident in Fort Worth, TX

Fort Worth, TX — February 2, 2025, Ryon Smith was killed following a pedestrian versus hit-and-run car accident at about 10:00 p.m. along Wedgwood Drive.

According to authorities, 40-year-old Ryon Denny Smith was riding on a skateboard in the vicinity of the Wedgwood Drive and Granbury Road intersection when the accident took place.

Details surrounding the accident remain scarce. Officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, Smith was struck by a 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.

Smith suffered 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 there been declared deceased three days after the accident. 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 I read about a crash like the one that took Ryon Smith’s life, I know that many people will assume it was simply an unavoidable accident. While that’s certainly a possibility, my experience has shown me that hit-and-run crashes—especially those involving pedestrians—are often more complex than they first appear. Instead of making assumptions, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure that all possible contributing factors are explored. To that end, there are three critical questions that need to be considered.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? In hit-and-run cases, identifying the vehicle and driver responsible is a top priority. Did law enforcement collect statements from any available witnesses? Did they review nearby traffic cameras, surveillance footage, or doorbell cameras that may have captured the vehicle fleeing the scene? Were there any physical clues—such as vehicle debris or tire marks—that could help narrow down the type of vehicle involved? The quality of the investigation will determine whether the responsible party is identified or if the case remains unsolved.

Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? While hit-and-run collisions are usually attributed to driver negligence, mechanical failures—such as malfunctioning headlights or faulty brakes—could also play a role. If the driver was unaware they struck someone, that could indicate issues with their vehicle’s visibility, suspension, or impact sensors. Additionally, some newer vehicles are equipped with pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking—if those systems failed to function properly, that would be important to investigate. Unfortunately, these factors are rarely examined unless someone specifically requests a forensic inspection of the vehicle, assuming it is eventually located.

Lastly, have investigators gathered all available electronic data? Modern vehicles often contain event data recorders (EDRs) that capture crucial details such as speed, braking, and steering inputs before a crash. If the suspect vehicle is found, this data could clarify whether the driver attempted to stop or if the vehicle responded unpredictably. Additionally, cell phone records or GPS data could help place a vehicle at the scene. If this evidence isn’t secured quickly, it may become unavailable, making it harder to determine the full circumstances of the accident.

At the end of the day, answering these questions could be essential to understanding what really happened and why. A thorough examination of all three of these issues—including the quality of police investigations, possible vehicle defects, and electronic data—is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by the crash receive the clarity they deserve.