Pedestrian Struck and Killed on I-35E in Northwest Dallas: Northbound Lanes Shut Down Overnight for Investigation
DALLAS, TX — June 21, 2025 — A tragic collision late Friday night claimed the life of a pedestrian and brought traffic to a standstill on a major Dallas interstate. According to authorities, a person walking along the northbound lanes of Interstate 35E in Northwest Dallas was struck and killed by a passing vehicle, prompting a full closure of the freeway for several hours during the overnight investigation.
Incident Details
The incident occurred shortly before midnight on the northbound side of I-35E, near the Walnut Hill Lane exit, a heavily traveled stretch of highway linking downtown Dallas to the northern suburbs.
According to the Dallas Police Department, the pedestrian was walking in the active lanes of traffic when they were hit by a vehicle. The impact proved fatal, and the individual was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.
The identity of the victim has not yet been released, pending notification of next of kin.
Immediate Response and Road Closure
The driver of the vehicle involved remained on the scene and is cooperating fully with investigators. Authorities have stated that impairment does not appear to be a factor, though the investigation remains ongoing.
Northbound lanes of I-35E were immediately shut down between Walnut Hill Lane and Royal Lane as members of the Dallas Police Department’s Traffic Investigations Unit worked to reconstruct the crash, collect evidence, and clear the scene. The freeway remained closed into the early morning hours of Saturday, creating significant traffic delays and detours for late-night drivers and early commuters.
The Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office also responded to the scene.
An Alarming and Increasingly Common Trend
Friday night’s fatality is part of a growing and alarming trend involving pedestrians struck by vehicles on major highways in North Texas. According to data from TxDOT, pedestrian deaths across the state have risen sharply in recent years, with freeway-related incidents among the deadliest.
Officials urge the public to avoid entering active highway lanes on foot, except in cases of emergency—and even then, to do so with extreme caution. There are currently no known breakdowns or vehicle malfunctions that would have explained the pedestrian’s presence in the roadway Friday night.
Authorities Request Witnesses
Dallas police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and are calling on anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.
If you have any information related to this case, you are encouraged to contact the Dallas Police Department’s Vehicle Crimes Unit at (214) 670-5817.
I-35E Reopened Saturday Morning
After several hours of closure and investigation, the northbound lanes of I-35E were fully reopened by around 6:00 a.m. Saturday. Crews with the Texas Department of Transportation assisted with lane closures, traffic management, and scene safety during the overnight operation.
Community Reaction
As news of the fatal crash spread through local news and social media, residents of the surrounding Northwest Dallas area expressed shock and sorrow over the incident. Some took to social platforms to voice concerns about highway lighting, mental health support, and the growing frequency of such tragedies.
“Another life lost on our roads, and another family forever changed,” one resident wrote. “It’s heartbreaking every time.”
Summary
•What: Fatal pedestrian crash on I-35E northbound
•Where: Near Walnut Hill Ln., Northwest Dallas
•When: Late Friday night, June 20, 2025
•Victim: Identity pending; struck and killed while walking in traffic lanes
•Driver: Remained at the scene and is cooperating
•Lanes: Northbound I-35E shut down overnight; reopened Saturday morning
•Investigation: Ongoing by Dallas PD’s Traffic Unit
This is a developing story, and additional updates will be provided as information becomes available. The Dallas Police Department reminds all drivers and pedestrians to exercise extreme caution on high-speed roadways and to call 911 immediately if they witness a potentially hazardous situation.