María Fernández Killed in Texas County Car Accident
A 19-year-old driver rear-ended the victims' vehicle, causing it to catch fire on Highway 136
María Fernández, 52, and María Villanueva de Fernández, 78, both of Borger, Texas, were killed in a two-vehicle car accident on Highway 136 near County Road 31 in Texas County on May 2, according to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol.
A 19-year-old driver rear-ended the women's vehicle around 12:30 p.m., causing it to burst into flames. Emergency crews blocked all lanes of the highway for several hours while responding to the fiery wreckage.
Both women were pronounced dead at the scene.
Troopers have not released the name of the 19-year-old driver or announced any pending charges.
The crash remains under investigation.
Why did the 19-year-old driver rear-end the vehicle on Highway 136?
The tragic loss of Fernández and María Villanueva de Fernández leaves their family searching for answers about how the collision occurred. In car accidents such as this, crash reconstruction investigators examine skid marks, vehicle data recorders, and driver distraction to determine why a trailing vehicle failed to stop in time.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News, said, "Rear-end crashes usually happen when a trailing driver fails to slow in time. Sudden stops, heavy traffic, or distraction can trigger impact. These collisions highlight how quickly ordinary driving situations can escalate into serious accidents."
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Oklahoma recorded 718 traffic death in 2023. Rear-end collisions on high-speed rural highways frequently result in severe outcomes due to the significant force transferred upon impact.
What are the next steps for the Fernández family?
While the Oklahoma Highway Patrol continues its investigation into the fiery crash, independent reviews are often necessary to preserve critical evidence. Insurance adjusters frequently begin building their defense immediately following a fatal collision.
"It is imperative to come to a determination of the exact cause of these types of accidents. An attorney has the resources to review applicable insurance coverage, hire expert witnesses, run background checks, and locate witnesses. We carefully guide the family of the victim through the process," noted Stefano Formica, a national legal analyst for Accident News and of counsel at Bond Legal.
Oklahoma wrongful death statute
Under Okla. Stat. tit. 12 § 1053, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Oklahoma applies modified comparative fault (51% bar). The statute of limitations is 2 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and grief damages.