Nakole Akila Curry Obituary, Death – Authorities have released the identity of the driver killed in a wrong-way crash early Saturday morning at the Interstate 14 and Interstate 35 interchange in Bell County. Officials confirmed the victim as 24-year-old Nakole Akila Curry of Killeen.
According to Sgt. Bryan Washko of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Curry had been operating a 2022 Jeep Compass prior to the crash. Witnesses told investigators they observed the vehicle traveling east in the westbound lanes of I-14, beginning as far back as Nolanville. Reports indicated the Jeep was moving at a high rate of speed and weaving recklessly through traffic.
The situation came to a tragic end when Curry attempted to merge toward Interstate 35 while still going the wrong way. At that point, her vehicle struck a guardrail with significant force. The impact caused the Jeep to come to rest in a grassy median near the interchange.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the crash site, but efforts to save Curry’s life were unsuccessful. Justice of the Peace Cliff Coleman pronounced her dead at the scene. No other vehicles were directly involved in the collision, and no additional injuries were reported.
As of Tuesday, DPS confirmed that the investigation into the crash remains ongoing. Authorities have not yet determined whether impairment or other factors contributed to Curry’s decision to drive against traffic. Toxicology testing and other standard investigative procedures are expected to provide more answers as officials piece together the circumstances.
Wrong-way crashes, such as this one, are among the most dangerous types of roadway accidents. They often occur at high speeds and leave little opportunity for other drivers to react, frequently resulting in severe or fatal outcomes. DPS officials regularly remind drivers to remain vigilant, obey traffic signs, and avoid driving under the influence to reduce the risk of these catastrophic incidents.
The crash highlights ongoing concerns along stretches of I-14 and I-35, where heavy traffic volumes and high speeds can create dangerous situations when drivers enter the roadway improperly. Transportation safety advocates stress the importance of clear signage, driver awareness, and community education to help prevent wrong-way collisions.
For Curry’s family and the Killeen community, the loss is deeply felt. At just 24 years old, her death underscores how quickly reckless driving can turn tragic. While the investigation continues, DPS officials have used the incident as a reminder of the life-threatening consequences of driving at excessive speeds and against the flow of traffic.
Authorities said further details will be released as the investigation progresses. For now, the fatal crash stands as another sobering example of the dangers associated with wrong-way driving on Texas highways.
