Richard Rodeman and Christopher Lepine Killed, Shaleigha Rada Injured in Head-On Accident on FM 136 [Taft, TX]

Richard Rodeman and Christopher Lepine Dead, Shaleigha Rada Hurt in Taft Head-On Crash

 
TAFT, TX (January 31, 2025) — Richard Rodeman and Christopher Lepine died following a head-on accident on Sunday, January 26.
 
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the collision occurred around 6:30 p.m. on FM 136 near Highway 188, approximately 20 minutes northeast of Corpus Christi.
 
Texas DPS said 45-year-old Richard Rodeman, of Corpus Christi, drove a Nissan Altima southbound on FM 136 with a 23-year-old passenger Shaleigha Rada, of Houston.
 
Investigators said Rodeman crossed the center line into the northbound lane. At the same time, 36-year-old Christopher Lepine, of Portland, drove a Chevrolet Equinox northbound.
 
Lepine attempted to swerve left to avoid the Altima. However, the two vehicles still collided head-on, resulting in severe damage. The Altima spun off the roadway and came to rest on the grass shoulder. Meanwhile, the Chevrolet spun around and stopped in the northbound lane.
 
Emergency responders arrived and extricated Rodeman and Lepine from their vehicles. Then they pronounced both dead at the scene.
 
Rada sustained serious injuries. Responding officers transported her to Spohn Shoreline Hospital in Corpus Christi.
 
Authorities closed FM 136 for nearly three and a half hours.
 
The Texas Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances of the crash.

Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Richard Rodeman and Christopher Lepine.

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