safety
Fire chief expecting 3rd child fatally struck by car while directing traffic
By KGNS — Sitewide
· June 29, 2026
· 2 min read
MABANK, Texas (KLTV/Gray News) - A Texas fire chief and police officer whose wife is expecting their third child died after he was hit by a car while directing traffic.Mabank Fire Chief Charlie Woodard was directing traffic Saturday night after the Mabank Rodeo when he was struck by a car, accord...
Key takeaway Bettie Busby, who worked the concession stand Saturday, says the rodeo brought in thousands of people.
Why this matters in Laredo News
The tragic loss of Mabank Fire Chief Charlie Woodard while directing traffic after a crowded event like the Mabank Rodeo raises concerns about public safety in similar scenarios in Laredo . As a community that also hosts large events, Laredo residents and officials should take note of the risks that come with managing traffic flow after big gatherings. The fact that Woodard was struck by a car despite being a trained public safety official highlights the need for careful planning and execution of traffic control measures. In Laredo, where events like festivals and parades draw thousands of people, the city's public safety departments should review their protocols for ensuring the safety of both attendees and personnel directing traffic. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that exist in these situations and the importance of being prepared to mitigate them.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . Laredo News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KGNS — Sitewide . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 29, 2026 ·
Source: KGNS — Sitewide ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? MABANK, Texas (KLTV/Gray News) - A Texas fire chief and police officer whose wife is expecting their third child died after he was hit by a car while directing traffic.Mabank Fire Chief Charlie Woodard was directing traffic Saturday night after the Mabank Rodeo when he was struck by a car, accord...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 29, 2026 by KGNS — Sitewide and curated for Laredo News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how Laredo News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Laredo News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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