A late-night crash in Midland County has left one family mourning the loss of a loved one and a 19-year-old driver facing a manslaughter charge.
Authorities say 47-year-old William Smedley of Odessa was riding his 2021 Ducati motorcycle southbound on South Fairgrounds Road around 11:24 p.m. on May 30. According to investigators, what began as a routine ride ended in tragedy at the intersection of South Fairgrounds Road and Cloverdale Road.
Troopers reported that a northbound 2013 Hyundai Sonata suddenly crossed into the southbound lanes while attempting to pass another vehicle. Investigators also noted that the Hyundai was being driven without headlights, even though headlights were required at that hour.
The Hyundai allegedly entered the path of Smedley’s motorcycle, leaving him with no time to avoid a collision. The impact caused severe injuries to the Odessa man. Emergency responders rushed him to Midland Memorial Hospital for treatment.
Despite efforts by medical staff, Smedley later died from the injuries he suffered in the crash. His death turned what initially appeared to be a serious traffic accident into a fatal criminal investigation.
The driver of the Hyundai, identified as 19-year-old Eduardo Gaytan of Midland, was not injured. According to an arrest affidavit, Gaytan admitted to drinking alcohol before the crash. Investigators said he first told authorities he had consumed six alcoholic drinks before later increasing that number to eight.
Troopers reported observing several signs of intoxication, including the smell of alcohol, bloodshot eyes, difficulty maintaining balance, and trouble walking. Gaytan was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated and agreed to provide a blood sample for testing.
While authorities were processing the case, they received word that Smedley had died at the hospital. Following that development, Gaytan was booked into the Midland County Detention Center on a charge of manslaughter involving a vehicle.
In addition to the manslaughter charge, Gaytan was cited for multiple traffic violations. Those violations include driving without required headlights, passing without sufficient clearance, driving on the wrong side of the roadway in a no-passing zone, and violating driver’s license restrictions.
Investigators with the Texas Department of Public Safety continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the deadly collision as family members and loved ones remember William Smedley, whose life was cut short in a crash that authorities say never should have happened.
