A pedestrian attempting to cross a roadway in Odessa was fatally struck by a van Friday morning, claiming the life of a 68-year-old man. The incident played out just after 9:15 a.m. on April 10, 2026, along the 1200 block of West 2nd Street. Officers from the Odessa Police Department arrived to find Tony McCollum lying in the roadway with critical injuries. Despite the swift arrival of emergency medical crews, he was declared dead at the scene.
Preliminary findings from the investigation show that a white Chevrolet Express van was heading east on West 2nd Street at the time of the collision. McCollum, who was walking northbound, entered the roadway and moved directly into the van’s travel lane. Police determined that he did not have the right of way when he stepped off the curb.
The driver of the van stopped immediately after the crash and has been fully cooperative with authorities. At this point, investigators have found no evidence suggesting that drugs, alcohol, or reckless driving played a role in the incident.
West 2nd Street was shut down for several hours between Belmont Avenue and Whitaker Street as officers measured the scene, photographed evidence, and interviewed witnesses. The roadway has since reopened to normal traffic. McCollum’s identity was released after his family had been notified. He was a resident of Odessa, though further details about his personal life have not been made public by authorities.
The investigation remains open, with officers continuing to examine the sequence of events leading up to the crash. Anyone with additional information has been asked to contact the Odessa Police Department.
The loss has left the local community saddened. Residents have shared condolences with McCollum’s loved ones, and officials have reminded both drivers and pedestrians to remain alert on busy roadways like West 2nd Street. Authorities stress that a moment of inattention or a misjudgment of traffic can lead to irreversible tragedy.
