JACKSON COUNTY — The Texas Department of Public Safety is asking for the public’s help as investigators continue looking for the vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run crash on State Highway 172 near La Ward.
The crash happened Sept. 7, 2026, in Jackson County, directly south of Wharton County.
According to DPS, troopers responded to the area after a man was struck while outside a travel trailer.
The victim was identified as Benjamin Lee Faulk of New Braunfels.
DPS said a preliminary investigation found Faulk was replacing a damaged tire on the travel trailer when he was struck by a passing vehicle.
He was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 12:56 p.m.
Investigators are still working to identify the vehicle that struck Faulk.
DPS is also looking for two additional vehicles that investigators say were seen pulling onto the northbound shoulder roughly 100 yards from the crash scene shortly after the incident.
Those vehicles then left the area.
DPS said the occupants of those vehicles may have information that could help investigators determine what happened or identify the vehicle involved.
Anyone who was traveling on SH 172 near La Ward around noon on Sept. 7, witnessed the crash, or has dash-camera, surveillance or other video footage from the area is being asked to contact law enforcement.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
DPS said additional information can be provided to Sgt. Ruben San Miguel with the Texas Department of Public Safety or to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division at 361-782-3541.
Authorities have not publicly released a description of the suspect vehicle.
The crash remains under investigation, and DPS is continuing to ask anyone who may have seen something — even if they did not witness the impact itself — to come forward.
Information in this report was provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
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