MIDLAND, TX. (THECOUNT) — Luke Quentin Palacios, of Midland, Texas, has been identified as the victim in a fatal dirt bike crash Wednesday night involving an SUV, according to authorities. Palacios was 21.
The collision occurred at approximately 10:42 p.m. Wednesday, May 13, at the intersection of Raymond Street and Cedar Springs Drive in Midland, located in the Permian Basin region of West Texas.
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According to the Midland Police Department, officers responded to reports of a crash involving a dirt bike and a sport utility vehicle at the intersection.
Investigators said responding officers located a non-street-legal 2023 Yamaha YZ250FX dirt bike in the roadway along with a heavily damaged 2006 Nissan Murano west of the intersection.
Authorities reported the Nissan sustained extensive passenger-side damage during the collision.
Police and EMS personnel found Palacios lying near the dirt bike suffering from life-threatening injuries.
Emergency responders rendered aid at the scene before Palacios was transported to Midland Memorial Hospital for emergency treatment.
Despite lifesaving efforts by medical personnel, Palacios later succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash.
Midland Police confirmed next of kin had been notified.
According to preliminary findings released by investigators, Palacios was traveling southbound on Raymond Street at a high rate of speed prior to the collision.
Authorities said the Nissan Murano was traveling westbound on Howard Street and had stopped at a posted stop sign before proceeding through the intersection and crossing Raymond Street toward the 3700 block of Cedar Springs Drive.
Police said the Yamaha dirt bike subsequently struck the passenger side of the Nissan.
The driver of the Nissan Murano has not been publicly identified by authorities.
Officials have not publicly released information regarding whether the SUV driver sustained injuries in the collision.
The Yamaha YZ250FX involved in the crash is an off-road competition-style dirt bike that is not legal for operation on public roadways under standard roadway regulations.
Investigators have not publicly stated whether Palacios was wearing protective riding equipment or a helmet at the time of the collision.
Crash investigators continued examining evidence at the intersection Wednesday night and into Thursday morning as part of the active investigation.
The intersection of Raymond Street and Cedar Springs Drive was affected by emergency response activity while officers documented evidence and removed damaged vehicles from the roadway.
Authorities have not publicly indicated whether alcohol, drugs, distraction, or visibility conditions may have contributed to the crash.
No charges have been announced.
The Midland Police Department continues to investigate the fatal collision.
Additional information may be released as investigators review witness statements, roadway evidence, and vehicle data connected to the crash.
Google Maps: Raymond Street and Cedar Springs Drive, Midland, Texas
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