ABILENE, Texas — A tragic ATV crash in Callahan County early Friday morning claimed the lives of an Abilene firefighter and his friend, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Authorities identified the victims as Hunter Blake Patterson, 31, of Abilene, and Brett Cole Underwood, 29, of Clyde. Both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
The crash happened around 1:00 a.m. on State Highway 36, just northwest of County Road 228. A DPS crash report stated Patterson and Underwood were riding together on an ATV that entered the highway from a nearby field.
Investigators said the ATV was traveling southbound when it was struck from behind by a car. The collision caused the ATV to leave the roadway, overturn, and catch fire.
Officials reported both men were ejected from the ATV and died at the scene from the impact. The driver of the vehicle involved in the crash was not injured.
The Abilene Fire Department released a statement expressing sorrow over the loss, asking the public to respect the families’ privacy while keeping both the loved ones and department crews in their thoughts and prayers.
The incident remains under investigation, and no additional information has been released at this time.
