Margaret Ward Killed in Bee County Truck Accident
The northbound pickup lost control in heavy rain and struck a transit bus
Margaret Ward, 58, of Conroe, was killed in a truck accident on U.S. Highway 59 near County Road 330 in Bee County, Texas, on May 2, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
A northbound 2020 Dodge Ram pickup lost control in heavy rain, crossed into oncoming traffic and struck a small transit bus. A third vehicle, a 2024 Nissan Altima, veered off the road to avoid the collision.
Ward, a passenger in the pickup, died at the scene. A 71-year-old passenger on the bus was taken to a Beeville hospital, where she later died.
The 61-year-old driver of the pickup, the 58-year-old bus driver, and two other bus passengers were hospitalized with undisclosed injuries. The driver of the Nissan was not hurt.
R.E.A.L. Transportation, the operator of the bus, issued a statement confirming its team responded immediately to support the passengers and staff involved.
Troopers continue to investigate the sequence of events. No charges have been announced.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the state recorded more than 500 fatal commercial and large truck crashes last year.
Key Facts: - Victim: Ward - Location: U.S. Highway 59 near County Road 330, Bee County, Texas - Date: May 2 - Type: Truck accident - Agency: Texas Department of Public Safety - Status: Two passengers killed; four people hospitalized
The sudden loss of a loved one in a severe weather-related crash leaves families searching for answers. Passengers are particularly vulnerable in these collisions, as they have no control over the vehicle's operation when adverse conditions strike. National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "A skilled attorney can protect an injured victim from trucking companies, which often send their own investigators to crash sites and possess a variety of resources they can utilize in an attempt to defend a negligent truck driver. Your lawyer can advocate for you by hiring expert witnesses, conducting drivers’ background checks, locating witnesses to the crash, and reviewing applicable insurance coverage, while carefully guiding you through the legal process and protecting your legal rights and best interests."
Why did the pickup cross the center line on U.S. Highway 59?
Investigators will examine the Dodge Ram's tires, speed, and mechanical condition to determine why it lost traction in the heavy rain. Weather conditions frequently contribute to loss-of-control incidents, but drivers are legally required to adjust their speed to safely handle wet roads.
What are the legal options for a passenger's family?
While authorities piece together the crash data, insurance adjusters often begin building defense strategies within days of a fatal collision. According to National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal. "A lawyer has the resources to hire expert witnesses, conduct driver background checks, locate witnesses to the crash, and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help guide an injury victim through what can be a complicated process."
Texas wrongful death statute
Under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 71.001, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Texas applies modified comparative fault (51% bar). The statute of limitations is 2 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship and consortium, funeral expenses, and mental anguish.