Randal Knerl Obituary, Death News – Houston authorities are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred early Saturday morning in Tomball, involving a construction excavator that may have been stolen. The incident claimed the life of a local man and has prompted a hit-and-run investigation by the Houston Police Department (HPD).
According to HPD, the crash happened around 1:15 a.m. on the 17100 block of Tomball Parkway, which is also part of Highway 249. Responding officers discovered a red Indian motorcycle lying in the middle of the roadway, indicating the severity of the collision. Nearby, they found a man who had suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The victim has been identified as 66-year-old Randal Knerl, and HPD confirmed that he was the sole occupant of the motorcycle at the time of the crash. Emergency medical services were called immediately, but due to the extent of the incident, responders were unable to save Knerl.
Investigators also located a Cat excavator a short distance from the crash site. The construction vehicle had sustained damage to its rear, which HPD officials believe is consistent with the point of impact involving the motorcycle. The excavator was still running when officers arrived, and it had been positioned off the roadway, suggesting that it may have been involved in the collision before its operator fled the scene. Authorities are treating the operator of the excavator as a suspect in a hit-and-run case.
Early findings from the HPD investigation suggest that the excavator was traveling along the roadway when Knerl’s motorcycle collided with its rear. The exact circumstances that led the construction vehicle to be on the road remain under review. Investigators are exploring whether the excavator was stolen or improperly operated at the time of the crash. Additionally, police are gathering information to determine how the incident unfolded, including the speed of the motorcycle, road conditions, and potential witness accounts.
HPD has emphasized the urgent need for information from the public to help identify the operator of the Cat excavator. Anyone with knowledge about the person driving the vehicle at the time, or any details related to the incident, is being urged to contact the HPD Hit and Run Unit at 713-247-4065. Individuals who wish to provide tips anonymously can reach out to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. Authorities stress that even seemingly minor information could be crucial in identifying the suspect and bringing them to justice.
The Tomball Parkway is a busy thoroughfare, and incidents involving large construction equipment on public roads pose a serious risk to motorists. HPD officials have reminded residents about the dangers of operating heavy machinery outside of designated construction zones and the importance of adhering to traffic regulations to prevent accidents. Fatal collisions like this one underscore the risks involved when large vehicles and motorcycles share the roadway under unsafe conditions.
As the investigation continues, HPD is reviewing all available evidence, including vehicle positions, damage assessments, and any nearby video surveillance. Officers are also seeking witnesses who may have observed the excavator on the roadway prior to the crash or who saw the motorcycle collide with it. Gathering this information is a critical step in understanding the sequence of events and ensuring accountability for the fatal crash.
The death of Randal Knerl has left family, friends, and community members mourning. Officials are coordinating with local resources to provide support and are prioritizing the resolution of the case. Investigators are committed to identifying the operator responsible and ensuring that justice is pursued in accordance with the law.
For now, the HPD Hit and Run Unit continues to lead the inquiry, and updates will be provided as additional verified information becomes available. Authorities have reiterated the importance of community assistance, urging anyone with relevant knowledge to come forward promptly. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the hazards that can arise when large equipment and road vehicles intersect outside of controlled environments.
