Tragedy on I-20: 16-Year-Old Girl Killed in Early-Morning Hit-and-Run, Driver Found Hours Later

A 16-year-old girl was killed early Tuesday morning after she was struck by a vehicle while walking along Interstate 20 in Ector County, authorities said. The driver fled the scene following the crash and was later located in neighboring Ward County.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the fatal crash happened at approximately 2:45 a.m. on September 29 near mile marker 100 on I-20 West.

Investigators said a 2015 Dodge Challenger was traveling westbound in the inside lane of I-20 when it struck a teenage pedestrian who was walking in the roadway.

The victim, a 16-year-old girl from Big Spring, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not yet released her name.

The driver of the Dodge Challenger was not injured in the crash, according to DPS.

Following the collision, however, the driver reportedly left the area instead of remaining at the scene. Authorities later located the driver in Ward County, according to DPS.

The circumstances leading up to the crash, including why the teenager was walking on the interstate and what happened immediately after the collision, remain under investigation.

The girl’s death has left family, friends and the surrounding community mourning a life that ended far too soon. As investigators continue working to piece together the events of that early-morning crash, additional information may be released.

Authorities have not yet publicly identified the deceased teenager.

This remains a developing story. More information is expected as the investigation continues.