On Thanksgiving morning in southeast Houston, a 7-year-old boy riding his bicycle was struck and killed by a pickup truck on Willow Glen Drive, officials said. The collision occurred just before noon, and emergency crews pronounced the child dead at the scene. Neighbors and first responders remained in the area into the afternoon.
Where the crash happened
The Houston Chronicle reported that emergency crews were called at approximately 11:34 a.m. to the 5200 block of Willow Glen Drive near Herschelwood Street. The child was pronounced dead about five minutes later. Lt. Va’ Shawnda McLean of HPD’s Vehicular Crimes Division told the Chronicle that the victim was likely riding a bicycle at the time, while investigators worked to determine the exact sequence of events.
Official confirmation from first responders
The Houston Fire Department confirmed that the incident occurred on Willow Glen Drive at around 11:35 a.m. A Houston Police spokesperson said the child was riding a bicycle when he was struck, according to ABC13. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators while crews documented the crash site.
Driver and on-scene evidence
An investigator told Click2Houston that the driver, identified as a 70-year-old man, called 911. He reportedly initially believed something had fallen from his truck before realizing a bicycle was beneath the vehicle. Police said the driver stopped and has cooperated while officers collected road evidence and interviewed witnesses.
Investigation ongoing
Houston police said a Drug Recognition Expert responded to the scene to help determine whether impairment was a factor, and that early road evidence did not indicate that speed played a role, the Houston Chronicle reported. Lt. McLean told reporters that the investigation is ongoing and it is too early to know whether any charges will be filed.
Why this matters
The crash is part of a broader statewide safety concern. TxDOT recorded 773 pedestrian deaths in Texas in 2024 and reported that most serious or fatal pedestrian crashes occur after dark, which prompted the agency’s safety campaign. Officials have advised drivers to reduce speed and parents to closely supervise young children, particularly during busy holiday periods.
Neighbors and family
Neighbors gathered in driveways while officers worked at the scene, and the child’s family was notified, FOX 26 Houston reported. Officials have not released the boy’s name, citing the need to notify family members and the ongoing investigation.
Authorities are requesting that anyone with information about the crash contact the Houston Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Division or submit tips through HPD’s non-emergency line, ABC13 reported. Police stated that additional details will be released as the investigation continues.
