Mark Poirier Obituary, Death – The Temple Police Department has shared additional information regarding a tragic traffic incident that took place early Tuesday morning along State Highway 36. Authorities confirmed that the pedestrian involved has been identified as 61-year-old Mark Poirier of Moody, Texas. Investigators continue to look into the details surrounding the event, and no additional information has been released about Poirier at this time.
According to the department, the incident occurred in the 10700 block of West State Highway 36, just before 6 a.m. on Tuesday. Officers were dispatched to the location around 5:52 a.m. after receiving reports of a pedestrian being struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, first responders found that Mr. Poirier had sustained severe injuries. Despite emergency efforts, he was later pronounced deceased at the scene.
Authorities noted that the driver involved stayed at the location and fully cooperated with investigators throughout the process. There have been no reports of the driver attempting to leave or avoid questioning. Police expressed appreciation for the driver’s cooperation as they continue to gather facts and assess the sequence of events that led to the collision.
The Temple Police Department’s Traffic Unit immediately took charge of the scene to document evidence and reconstruct what happened. This process required officials to temporarily close off both directions of State Highway 36 to ensure the safety of the responders and to allow for a thorough investigation.
During the closure, drivers were rerouted through nearby areas, including the CEFCO parking lot, to maintain the flow of traffic while officers worked. The road remained blocked for several hours, and the department advised the public to avoid the area if possible. After completing the preliminary investigation, officials reopened the highway shortly before noon, around 11:45 a.m.
Police have not yet shared what might have caused the vehicle to hit the pedestrian. Investigators are reviewing multiple factors, including visibility at the time, lighting conditions, and the positions of both the pedestrian and the vehicle before the impact. The department has not stated whether any citations or charges are expected as the case remains under active review.
In situations like this, investigators typically examine data from the scene, vehicle condition, and any witness statements to build a clearer picture of how the event occurred. They may also review available surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras to help determine the moments leading up to the crash.
Temple Police officials expressed condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Poirier, noting that the department’s goal is to ensure a complete and fair investigation. The department also reminded community members to exercise caution on local highways, especially during early morning or late-night hours when lighting and visibility can be limited.
The tragic event caused noticeable disruption for local commuters but drew significant community support and concern. Many area residents expressed sympathy for those affected, emphasizing the importance of road safety and attentiveness for both drivers and pedestrians.
As of now, the Temple Police Department continues to investigate and has not released further information. Officials have stated that additional updates will be provided as more details become available. The department has encouraged anyone with firsthand knowledge or dash camera footage related to the incident to contact investigators to assist in the ongoing effort to determine exactly what took place.
This unfortunate accident serves as a solemn reminder of the need for vigilance on busy roadways. Authorities continue working diligently to uncover the facts surrounding the event while extending compassion and support to those impacted.
