On Tuesday morning, February 17, 2026, a fatal two-vehicle crash occurred on U.S. Highway 90 near mile marker 520, just west of D’Hanis and Farm-to-Market Road 1796 in Medina County, Texas. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed that 55-year-old Roberto Mares Jr., a resident of D’Hanis, was killed in the collision. The crash happened around 11 a.m. and involved a Chevrolet Colorado and a Toyota Tundra towing a trailer.
According to the preliminary crash report released by DPS, the driver of the Chevrolet Colorado attempted to change lanes and collided with the trailer attached to Mares’ Toyota Tundra. The impact caused Mares to lose control of the vehicle, which then rolled over. Emergency responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, but Mares was pronounced dead on-site due to the severity of his injuries.
A 54-year-old female passenger in the Toyota Tundra was also injured in the crash. She was transported to a hospital in San Antonio for medical treatment. Authorities have not released her identity or the extent of her injuries, but she was reported to be in stable condition at the time of transport.
The driver of the Chevrolet Colorado was not injured in the crash. DPS has not indicated whether any citations or charges will be filed, but the investigation remains ongoing. Troopers are working to determine whether speed, distraction, or other factors contributed to the collision.
The stretch of U.S. Highway 90 where the crash occurred is a well-traveled corridor connecting rural communities in Medina County. Residents have expressed concerns in the past about the safety of the highway, particularly in areas where visibility is limited and traffic merges from secondary roads like FM 1796.
As the investigation continues, the community of D’Hanis is mourning the loss of Roberto Mares Jr., remembered by friends and neighbors as a hardworking and kind individual. His death marks a somber reminder of the importance of vigilance and caution on Texas highways, especially in rural areas where emergency response times can be critical.
