safety
Mabank mourns Fire Chief who was killed while directing traffic
By NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local
· June 28, 2026
· 1 min read
The Mabank community is mourning the loss of Fire Chief Charles Woodard, who was killed while directing traffic outside the Mabank Rodeo Grounds.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Woodard was directing traffic Friday night when he stepped into the westbound lanes of U.S. High...
Key takeaway Highway 175 and was struck by a pickup truck.
Why this matters in Southlake News
The tragic loss of Mabank Fire Chief Charles Woodard is a stark reminder of the risks faced by first responders in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, including those in neighboring Southlake . As the community comes together to mourn his passing, it's worth noting that the incident occurred on a major highway, U.S. Highway 175, which connects several local communities. The investigation into the crash will be crucial in determining what measures can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future, particularly in areas where traffic and community events intersect. For Southlake residents, this incident may raise questions about traffic safety and emergency response protocols in their own community, and whether there are steps that can be taken to mitigate risks for first responders and residents alike. The outpouring of support for Chief Woodard's family and fellow first responders is a testament to the strong bonds between local communities in the region.
About this story
Original reporting by NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local . Southlake News 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 NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 28, 2026 ·
Source: NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The Mabank community is mourning the loss of Fire Chief Charles Woodard, who was killed while directing traffic outside the Mabank Rodeo Grounds.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Woodard was directing traffic Friday night when he stepped into the westbound lanes of U.S. High...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 28, 2026 by NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local and curated for Southlake News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by NBC 5 DFW (KXAS) Local. To learn more about how Southlake News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Southlake News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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