Moffett, TX (April 25, 2025) – A Thursday morning crash in Angelina County ended with one man dead and another facing serious criminal accusations. The incident unfolded around 6:54 a.m. on April 24, when a pickup truck veered off Farm-to-Market Road 842, hit a tree, and then barreled through a nearby residence.
The crash took the life of 70-year-old Robert Boles, the homeowner who was inside when the vehicle plowed through the structure. Emergency responders quickly arrived, but Boles was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver responsible fled before authorities arrived. The Angelina County Sheriff’s Office, assisted by Texas Department of Public Safety troopers and a Texas Ranger from Lufkin, began investigating immediately. Officers traced the damaged pickup truck north along FM 842, leading them to a residence on Wilkerson Road about three miles from the crash site.
At the home, deputies found a heavily damaged Chevrolet pickup partially hidden beneath a tarp, with another truck parked behind it to conceal the vehicle. Investigators noted the truck carried debris from the crash, including wood and mail addressed to the victim, Robert Boles. Surveillance footage from a nearby convenience store captured the suspect, Jorge Urbina Lopez, and the vehicle just minutes before the fatal crash. Lopez was not present at the Wilkerson Road property when authorities served a search warrant. The damaged truck was seized as evidence, and the investigation remains ongoing.
We extend our condolences to the family and friends of Robert Boles.
Car Accidents in Texas
Texas roads see some of the highest accident rates in the country. In 2023, over 4,000 lives were lost due to vehicle-related incidents. With roadways that cover both bustling cities and rural areas, crashes occur statewide under a wide range of circumstances. These accidents often have lasting consequences for families and communities.
When fatal crashes occur, they leave behind countless questions and legal concerns. Here are key points to know when a wrongful death results from a vehicle accident:
- What Constitutes Wrongful Death: When a person dies due to another’s careless or reckless actions, it may be considered a wrongful death. In Texas, surviving family members can pursue legal action for damages such as lost income, companionship, and funeral expenses.
- Who Can File a Claim: Generally, the surviving spouse, children, or parents of the deceased can file a wrongful death claim. If these parties do not file within a specified time, the executor of the estate may pursue a claim instead.
- Types of Compensation Available: Damages may include economic losses (like medical bills and lost wages), non-economic losses (pain and suffering), and sometimes punitive damages if the conduct was especially egregious.
- Proving Responsibility: Evidence such as eyewitness accounts, video footage, vehicle damage, and forensic analysis is critical in building a strong claim. Prompt investigation plays a major role in a successful outcome.
- The Role of Criminal Charges: A wrongful death case is separate from any criminal proceedings. Even if a suspect is charged or convicted, the family can still file a civil lawsuit for damages.
If you’ve lost someone in a fatal crash, it’s important to speak with a personal injury attorney without delay. Early involvement can ensure crucial evidence is preserved and your rights are protected as the investigation unfolds. Legal guidance can also help ease the emotional and financial burden during a deeply difficult time.
The McGuire Firm is here for families facing these heartbreaking circumstances. Our team understands what you’re going through, and we’re committed to helping you move forward. We’ve worked on thousands of cases across East Texas and have recovered millions for clients in need. When you’re ready, call our Moffett wrongful death attorneys at (903) 630-7154. You won’t owe us anything unless we win for you.
We offer free consultations and compassionate, experienced support. The McGuire Firm has earned a reputation for helping families recover—not just financially, but emotionally. Our attorneys have experience on both sides of the courtroom, giving us insight into how these cases are handled. Let us be your advocates during this difficult time. Call us today at (903) 630-7154 to talk about your case.
