TEMPLE, TX (January 9, 2026) – The Temple Police Department has identified the deceased as 20-year-old Aiden Manuel Martinez from Rogers, TX.
TEMPLE, TX (January 8, 2026) – The Temple Police Department is investigating a traffic accident leaving one person deceased.
At around 3:36 a.m., on Thursday, January 8, officers were dispatched to mile marker 298 northbound on Interstate 35. Upon arrival, officers located a vehicle that had been struck by another vehicle. Preliminary investigation suggests the initial vehicle was traveling northbound, and for unknown reasons, left the roadway, striking a concrete barrier and becoming disabled in the middle of the highway. A second vehicle, traveling northbound, then struck the disabled vehicle.
One individual was pronounced deceased on scene by Justice of the Peace Larry Wilkey. One person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, and no other injuries have been reported.
The Temple Police Department Traffic Unit will be on scene investigating, and the highway will be shut down for several hours.
This case is under investigation, and no other information will be released at this time. Anyone with information should contact the Temple Police Department at 254-298-5500 or the Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-8477, where callers can report anonymously. Tips can also be submitted anonymously at bellcountycrimestoppers.com.