TX Big Game Hunter Casey Smith ID’d As Victim In Sunday Midland Fatal Harley Crash

MIDLAND COUNTY, TX. (THECOUNT) — Casey Michael Smith, 41, of Midland, Texas, was killed early Sunday morning in a single-vehicle motorcycle crash on State Highway 349, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

DPS officials said the crash occurred at approximately 2:42 a.m. as Smith, an avid big game hunter, was traveling southbound on SH 349 near West County Road 270, while riding a 2013 Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

According to investigators, Smith failed to maintain a single lane of travel. Officials said the motorcycle’s front tire struck a gravel strip along the roadway, causing the vehicle to leave the paved surface.

DPS said the motorcycle then struck a pole. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene.

No other vehicles were involved in the crash, and no additional injuries were reported.

According to Smith’s public Facebook profile, he was an avid outdoorsman who participated in big-game hunting. Posts and images shared publicly on the account show Smith with numerous majestic animals he hunted and killed, including bears and lions.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said the incident remains under investigation. Authorities have not released further details regarding potential contributing factors, including speed, road conditions, weather, mechanical issues, or possible impairment.

State Highway 349 is a major north-south roadway in Midland County, connecting Midland to surrounding rural areas and serving traffic related to oilfield operations throughout West Texas. Portions of the highway include long stretches of open roadway with varying shoulder conditions.

Officials did not immediately indicate whether roadway conditions or the gravel shoulder played a significant role beyond the initial findings. DPS said investigators are continuing to review evidence from the scene.

Smith was a resident of Midland, a city located in the Permian Basin region of West Texas. Midland County is part of a heavily traveled area due to energy production, with a mix of commercial, industrial, and personal vehicle traffic.

DPS has not released information regarding whether Smith was wearing protective gear at the time of the crash, nor have officials commented on whether toxicology testing will be conducted or when results may become available.

Single-vehicle motorcycle crashes often remain under investigation for extended periods as officials review physical evidence, vehicle condition, and roadway characteristics. DPS said updates will be provided if additional information becomes available.

Anyone with information related to the crash is encouraged to contact the Texas Department of Public Safety.

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