CHILDRESS, Texas — A Texas Highway Patrol trooper was killed in the line of duty Wednesday afternoon following a fatal collision with a commercial vehicle, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officially confirmed.
The incident occurred at approximately 4:00 p.m. on June 17, 2026, along US Highway 287 near Childress. According to investigators, Trooper Sergio Romero was in the process of attempting to conduct a routine traffic stop on the highway. As he initiated the enforcement action, a truck-tractor semi-trailer pulled out directly into his path, causing his patrol unit to collide violently with the commercial vehicle.
Emergency response personnel arrived at the location shortly after the impact. Despite life-saving efforts, the injuries sustained in the collision were fatal, and Trooper Romero was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the semi-trailer remained at the location, and investigators from the DPS Highway Patrol division are currently leading the ongoing reconstruction of the accident. It has not yet been announced if criminal charges or citations will be filed in connection with the crash.
Trooper Romero was a dedicated member of the Texas Department of Public Safety, recognized by his peers and leadership for his steadfast commitment to public service. Department officials emphasized that he answered the call to serve each day with honor, remaining deeply dedicated to the safety and protection of the citizens of Texas.
The Texas Department of Public Safety released a formal statement expressing profound sadness over the tragedy, honoring Trooper Romero’s ultimate sacrifice, and stating that the entire DPS family will forever remember his service to the state. The investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the fatal collision remains active.
