By MES Dispatch Staff
The Briefing
- Mabank Fire Chief Charles Woodard died June 27 after being struck by a vehicle while directing traffic following the Mabank Rodeo in Mabank, Texas.
- Woodard, who also served as the city’s fire marshal and as a police officer, was positioned with other officers and fire personnel to direct traffic when the collision occurred.
- Emergency medical personnel provided immediate care at the scene and transported Woodard by ambulance to UT Health in Gun Barrel City, where he died shortly after arrival.
- The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating the crash; investigators have not released details about the cause of the collision or whether charges are anticipated.
- No additional factors contributing to the incident have been identified at this time.
MABANK, TEXAS — Mabank Fire Chief Charles Woodard died after being struck by a vehicle while directing traffic in the aftermath of the Mabank Rodeo on June 27, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Woodard was assisting with traffic control following the rodeo when officers and fire department personnel were struck in a vehicle collision. Woodard received immediate emergency medical care at the scene of the crash.
Fire and emergency medical personnel transported Woodard by ambulance to UT Health in Gun Barrel City. Woodard died a short time after arriving at the hospital.
Woodard held multiple roles within local public safety, serving as the Mabank Fire Chief, the city’s fire marshal, and as a police officer.
The Texas Department of Public Safety and local authorities are investigating the crash. Investigators have not released details regarding the cause of the collision or what led to the vehicle striking Woodard. Authorities have also not identified any additional factors that may have contributed to the crash at this time. No information has been released regarding whether charges are expected in connection with the collision.