A Fort Worth Army National Guard soldier who survived a deadly drone strike during a deployment to the Middle East is now hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 35W left him fighting for his life at home.
Fort Worth police are searching for the driver who struck 29-year-old Kris Rodriguez while he was riding his motorcycle on I-35W near Northside Drive on the night of September 27. The collision occurred around 9:30 p.m. near the Yucca Avenue exit before the driver fled the scene without stopping to render aid.
Investigators believe the suspect vehicle is a gray or light-colored four-door sedan, possibly a Toyota, that may have visible front-end or passenger-side damage.
Rodriguez sustained devastating injuries in the crash including a broken clavicle that punctured his lung, broken ribs, a broken pelvis and a ruptured bladder. He has undergone multiple surgeries and faces a lengthy and difficult recovery.
The crash came just weeks after Rodriguez returned home from a deployment to Kuwait and Qatar. He was stationed near Jordan’s Tower 22 base when a deadly drone attack in January 2024 killed three American service members. His family says he called home during the attack to say his goodbyes.
After making it home safely, Rodriguez had been building a new life. He had recently landed a new job, moved into a home in Fort Worth and purchased a motorcycle before his world was turned upside down by the crash.
His parents who live in the Austin area have been making repeated trips to Fort Worth to be by his side. They say mounting medical bills and transportation costs are adding to the family’s burden as they push for Rodriguez to be transferred closer to home.
His mother Sylvia Amos described her son as being in a dark emotional place alongside his physical pain. His father Chris Amos expressed frustration with whoever left the scene and called on them to take responsibility.
Nearly two weeks after the crash the family and Fort Worth police have turned to social media in hopes of generating new leads. Investigators are urging anyone who witnessed the collision or recognizes the suspect vehicle to come forward immediately.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fort Worth Police Department.