Glenn Heights, TX — February 26, 2025, Sean Cotner was killed in a truck accident at about 2:40 a.m. on southbound Interstate 35.

A preliminary accident report indicates a 2019 Volvo semi-truck hit a pedestrian north of Bear Creek Road.

The pedestrian, 53-year-old Beaumont resident Sean Patrick Cotner, died at the scene of the crash, according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Lancaster County crash.

Commentary

Crashes involving pedestrians and semi-trucks on highways raise serious concerns about visibility, road access, and whether either party had enough time to react. In this case, reports indicate that a 2019 Volvo semi-truck struck and killed a pedestrian on southbound I-35 near Bear Creek Road. A full investigation should determine why the pedestrian was on the highway, whether the truck driver had an opportunity to avoid the collision, and if any external factors contributed.

One of the first questions investigators should answer is why the pedestrian was in the roadway. Highways are not designed for foot traffic, and pedestrian crashes in these areas often involve people experiencing vehicle breakdowns, attempting to cross the roadway or walking along the shoulder. If the pedestrian was stranded due to car trouble, did he have access to a safe place to wait for assistance? If he was trying to cross the highway, were there barriers or signage discouraging pedestrian access?

Another key factor is whether the truck driver had enough time to see and react to the pedestrian. Large trucks have significant blind spots, and at 2:40 a.m., reduced lighting may have made it difficult for the driver to spot a person in the road. Was the pedestrian visible, and did the driver attempt to swerve or brake? Reviewing black box data, dashcam footage and witness statements could help clarify whether the truck driver had a reasonable opportunity to avoid the collision.

Investigators should also consider road and environmental conditions. Was the roadway well-lit, or did darkness contribute to limited visibility? Were weather conditions, such as fog or rain, affecting how well drivers could see ahead? If external factors made it harder for the driver to recognize a person in the road, that should be examined closely.

At this stage, there isn’t enough public information to determine exactly what led to this crash. But if authorities focus only on who hit whom without investigating why the pedestrian was on the highway and whether the truck driver had time to react, they risk missing key details. A thorough investigation should take all possible factors into account to ensure a full understanding of what went wrong.