Jose Veliz Jr Killed in ATV Accident on Madrid Drive in Mission, TX
Mission, TX — December 9, 2022, 34-year-old Jose Veliz Jr. died in an ATV accident on Madrid Drive in Mission.
Authorities say the incident happened around 10:50 p.m. along Madrid near Milan Drive. Preliminary investigation suggests Veliz was riding the ATV on the roadway, possibly at high speeds, when he lost control and it tipped up on two wheels. He was ejected from the vehicle and landed in the roadway.
Veliz, reportedly not wearing a helmet, suffered fatal injuries in the accident.
The investigation is ongoing. No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Jose Veliz Jr. Accident in Mission
Police seem pretty intent on blaming the fatally-injured victim for unsafe operation here, but I've seen far too many instances where operator mistakes were too quickly (and unfairly) suggested. What if there's more to this and the incident was out of the victim's hands?
For instance, it's worth noting that there have been many ATV recalls over the last few years related to all kinds of part failures, from sticking throttles to steering column breakage to several fuel- and fire-related problems. I have no specific reason to think the ATV on Madrid Drive was faulty, but it'd likely be best to double-check nothing went wrong with it--if for no other reason than to rule a potential factor out.
To be clear, I don't know more than reports tell. Maybe the crash really happened due to the driver making a mistake, or maybe it was because of factors beyond his control. Only clear facts found through careful investigation should have the final word, which is why getting as many of them as possible should always be a top priority. If police don't have the time or inclination to look as closely as is needed, maybe someone else should.
