David Ray Whisenhunt Obituary, Death – Authorities in Kilgore are investigating a tragic incident that took place on Friday evening, resulting in the loss of a pedestrian’s life after a collision with a truck along State Highway 31.
According to information released by the Kilgore Police Department, the incident occurred around 7:15 p.m. in the 100 block of State Highway 31 East. The pedestrian, identified as 64-year-old David Ray Whisenhunt, a resident of Kilgore, was reportedly attempting to cross the eastbound lanes of the highway when he was struck by an oncoming vehicle.
Police said the vehicle involved was a 2017 Ram pickup truck that was traveling eastbound at the time of the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that Whisenhunt may not have yielded the right-of-way to the approaching vehicle as he crossed the roadway. The driver of the truck remained at the scene and cooperated fully with law enforcement officers throughout the investigation.
Emergency responders arrived shortly after the crash was reported. Despite their efforts, Whisenhunt was pronounced deceased at the scene. Authorities have not reported any additional injuries related to the incident.
The Kilgore Police Department, along with traffic investigators, worked at the site for several hours, documenting the scene and collecting evidence to determine the exact sequence of events. The eastbound section of Highway 31 was temporarily closed while police examined the area and cleared the roadway.
Officers said the investigation is still ongoing as they review all contributing factors, including lighting conditions, visibility, and the movement of both the pedestrian and the vehicle prior to the impact. Authorities have not released any information suggesting that speeding, distraction, or impairment played a role in the collision.
Residents in the area described the stretch of Highway 31 as a busy thoroughfare, especially during the evening hours when visibility can be reduced. Some noted that the section where the incident occurred does not have a designated crosswalk, which may have made it more difficult for drivers to see pedestrians attempting to cross.
Local officials reminded drivers and pedestrians alike to use extra caution on high-traffic roads, especially after sunset. They emphasized that reflective clothing, well-lit areas, and designated crossing zones can significantly reduce the likelihood of similar tragedies.
While no charges have been announced, police said the case will remain under active review until all findings from the investigation are complete. The Kilgore Police Department has expressed condolences to Whisenhunt’s family and encouraged anyone with additional information or dashcam footage from the area to come forward to assist investigators.
The fatal crash has left the Kilgore community mourning the loss of a longtime resident. Friends and neighbors have described Whisenhunt as a familiar face in the area, often seen walking around town. Many expressed sadness over the incident and hope that safety improvements or clearer pedestrian crossing points might be implemented along that section of the highway in the future.
Authorities continue to remind both drivers and pedestrians to remain alert at all times. For drivers, this includes reducing speed in populated or dimly lit areas and staying aware of pedestrians who may be crossing unexpectedly. For pedestrians, law enforcement recommends always looking both ways before crossing, obeying traffic signals, and, when possible, using sidewalks and crosswalks to ensure safety.
As of now, the Kilgore Police Department has not released further details about the truck driver, and no citations or charges have been filed. The investigation remains open, and officials plan to release additional information once their review is complete.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety and vigilance on both sides — for drivers behind the wheel and pedestrians on foot.
