His friends were headed to class on Monday morning, but 18-year-old De’Monte Benn never made it to school. He was struck and killed on Highway 6.
The tragedy occurred at dawn, just prior to 7:00 a.m. on March 26, 2018. Early information indicates that Benn was walking on Highway 6 close to Louisiana Street in Manvel. Benn was a student at Manvel High School. There are conflicting reports about whether Benn was headed eastbound or westbound, but he was stuck by a Dodge pickup truck. It was driven by 57-year-old Terry Cropper, who reportedly lives in Rosharon, Texas. Cropper stopped at the scene, and the Department of Public Safety closed the lanes of Highway 6 during the immediate aftermath of the collision for its investigation.
The family and loved ones of Benn are now grieving his death as they search for answers. When the Crash Report is released by the Department of Public Safety, more details about how the incident happened will be available.
Regardless of the eventual findings, though, this terrible event serves as a grim warning to pedestrians and motorists alike. Pedestrians need to be sure that they are walking in a safe location, keeping a lookout for vehicles. And drivers likewise must be watchful for others using the roadway, including those on foot. Only then can we have roads and streets that will provide safe paths to our destinations.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a vehicle accident, contact an experienced attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling (713) 222-7211 or toll free at 713-222-7211.