A 16-year-old boy was killed Monday night after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to retrieve a shoe on Interstate 35E, according to the Red Oak Police Department.
At approximately 9:47 p.m. on April 28, 2025, dispatchers at the Northern Ellis Emergency Dispatch Center received a 9-1-1 call reporting a major accident involving a pedestrian in the southbound lanes of the 400 block of South I-35E.
The victim has been identified as Raheem Smith, a student at Red Oak High School.
According to investigators, Smith had been attempting to cross the highway from east to west with a group of friends. He successfully made it to the Jersey barrier, jumped over it, and crossed the southbound lanes. However, he lost one of his Crocs during the crossing and attempted to go back into the roadway to retrieve it.
While in the number one lane, Smith was struck by a southbound motorist. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers with the Red Oak Police Department and personnel from Red Oak Fire Rescue responded and began an investigation, including a full scene reconstruction. Authorities said the driver involved showed no signs of intoxication or impairment, and no charges are expected at this time.
The investigation remains ongoing.
