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 The Laredo
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 . With large community events common in Webb County, the incident serves as a stark reminder to review traffic control measures in place to protect both attendees and those working to ensure their safety. In Laredo, where festivals and gatherings often draw thousands, the city's public safety officials and event organizers must take a close look at their protocols for managing traffic and pedestrian flow. The death of Chief Woodard, who was also a police officer and fire marshal, is a devastating loss for his community, and his expectant wife and two children will undoubtedly feel the impact for years to come. Laredo residents should be aware of the risks associated with large events and support efforts to improve safety measures.
About this story
Original reporting by KGNS — Sitewide . The Laredo 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 The Laredo readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by KGNS — Sitewide. To learn more about how The Laredo selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Laredo, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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