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Tyler White, a 31-year-old man from Arlington, Texas, died early Saturday morning (December 14) after being struck by an SUV while assisting a stranded driver. The tragic incident occurred around 1:00 a.m. on N. Watson Road near Division Street. Arlington Police reported that White and a 42-year-old woman were hit by a BMW X1 while attempting to tow the woman's 2016 Hyundai Veloster, which had veered off the road.
White, described by his wife Breya as a "phenomenal man" who "put his family first," was transported to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries. The woman he was helping remains in critical condition. White's wife recounted that they had been at a family holiday party when they received a call for help from a friend whose car was stuck in the mud. White, along with Breya and another friend, went to assist.
Breya White told NBC News that they parked their 2004 GMC Yukon on the shoulder with hazard lights on when the BMW, driven by a 32-year-old woman, crashed into them at high speed. Breya, who was in the Yukon, described the moment as a "bright light" followed by a "boom" that sent their car sliding.
The driver of the BMW was also hospitalized, and police have not ruled out alcohol as a contributing factor in the crash. Charges are pending the outcome of the investigation. White, an airplane mechanic who loved fishing and hunting, leaves behind his wife and three young children.