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. Highway 175 and was struck by a pickup truck.

Woodard was taken to UT Health in Gun Barrel City, where he succumbed to his injuries and died.

The driver of the pickup was not injured, DPS said.

The Mabank Fire Department shared an image honoring Woodard and asked the community to keep his family and fellow first responders in their prayers.

“There are no words that can ease the pain of such a tremendous loss. When tragedy strikes, it affects us all. In these difficult moments, our communities always come together to surround one another with love, support, and prayer. Let us honor Chief Woodard’s life by remembering his selfless service and the sacrifices made every day by our first responders,” said Nicole Mason-Driver, Mayor of Malakoff, in a Facebook post.

The crash remains under investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.