Odessa, Texas — A quiet morning in the city turned tragic when 68-year-old Tony McCollum lost his life after being struck in a pedestrian crash on April 10, 2026. The incident happened in the 1200 block of West 2nd Street and has left the community in shock.
Authorities said officers were called to the scene at about 9:19 a.m. after reports of a vehicle and pedestrian collision. When they arrived, they found McCollum had been hit while attempting to cross the roadway.
Investigators stated that McCollum was crossing northbound when a white Chevrolet Express van traveling eastbound struck him. It was described as a sudden impact that unfolded in seconds along a busy stretch of road.
Officials also reported that McCollum failed to yield the right of way while crossing. The moment left little time for either party to react once the van approached the area.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and attempted to provide aid at the scene. Despite their efforts, McCollum was pronounced deceased where the crash occurred. His next of kin has since been notified.
News of his passing spread quickly through Odessa, leaving family, friends, and neighbors heartbroken. Those who knew him have been reflecting on memories, small conversations, and everyday moments that now feel deeply precious.
The loss has cast a heavy shadow over what began as an ordinary morning. People close to him are now leaning on one another as they try to process the sudden and painful reality of his absence.
The Odessa Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash as the community mourns and tries to make sense of how quickly life changed on West 2nd Street.
