On Thursday, February 15, 2024 at approximately 6:53 PM on FM 294 (Bier Ave.) inside the city limits of White Deer, John Kotara III, 81, of White Deer, Texas, driving a 2023 Ford F150, was traveling southbound on FM 294 (Bier Ave), driving through a curve in the roadway.
The sun had set approximately 20 minutes earlier, and it was nearing dark.
The juvenile riding the Throne The Goon bicycle left the driveway of a residence and drove into the ditch to the right of the road.
According to a witness statement, the juvenile rider traveled from the ditch back onto the road in the path of the Ford F150, which was approaching from the rear.
The Ford struck the bicyclist in the middle of the southbound lane.
The juvenile was pronounced deceased by Carson County Justice of the Peace Jean Hardman.
John Kotara III was not injured.
The juvenile was not wearing a helmet.
John was wearing a seatbelt.
The weather was clear and the road was paved and dry.
The crash remains under investigation by the Texas Highway Patrol Troopers.
A preliminary crash report will be available for purchase online in 10 days: https://cris.dot.state.tx.us/public/Purchase/crashReportSearch.htm.
