Early Tuesday morning, a tragic accident on State Highway 36 in Temple claimed the life of Mark Poirier, a 61-year-old resident of Moody. Law enforcement says Poirier was struck by an SUV and was pronounced dead at the scene — leaving family, friends, and the local community shaken.
Around 5:52 a.m. on October 14, 2025, Temple Police were called to the 10,700 block of West Highway 36, responding to reports that a pedestrian had been hit. When officers and emergency crews arrived, they found Poirier gravely injured. Despite immediate attention, he was declared dead just after 6 a.m. — less than ten minutes after first responders reached the scene.
Because of the severity of the crash, highway crews closed the road in both directions for several hours. Investigators worked on the scene, taking photos, examining tire marks, and interviewing witnesses. To ease traffic disruption, vehicles were temporarily rerouted through a nearby CEFCO parking lot, allowing authorities to complete their work safely.
As of now, police have released no details about the SUV driver or exactly how the collision unfolded. The circumstances — such as whether it was during low visibility, speed, or driver distraction — remain under investigation. Authorities say the probe is ongoing and that they hope to uncover what triggered this heartbreaking crash.
Officials are urging anyone who might have witnessed the incident — or who may have dashcam footage — to come forward. They’ve asked the public to contact the Temple Police Department at 254-298-5500 or Bell County Crime Stoppers at 254-526-8477. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
In the wake of this loss, many in Moody and surrounding areas are mourning. Poirier’s passing is not just a statistic — it’s a profound grief for those who knew him, and a stark reminder of how fragile life can be when tragedy strikes on our roads.
As investigators dig deeper, communities are left waiting — hoping for answers, closure, and a path forward from this sudden sorrow.