78-Year-Old Man Dies in Northeast El Paso Crash After Improper Turn

The collision involved a Hyundai Tucson and a Ford F-350 on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 6:55pm

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A 78-year-old man from Chaparral, New Mexico, identified as William Beschle, died after a crash in northeast El Paso on Monday evening. The incident occurred when Beschle attempted to make an improper right turn from a left-turn-only lane, causing his Hyundai Tucson to be struck by a Ford F-350 in the center lane.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the importance of following traffic laws and being attentive while driving, especially for elderly drivers who may face increased challenges. The crash marks the third traffic fatality in El Paso so far this year, matching the number at the same time last year.

The details

According to police, the collision happened at around 5:35 p.m. on Monday at the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue and Stan Roberts. Beschle was traveling northbound on Martin Luther King in his 2016 Hyundai Tucson when he attempted to make a right turn from a mandatory left-turn-only lane. This caused his vehicle to be struck on the right rear by a 2020 Ford F-350 also traveling northbound in the center lane.

  • The incident occurred at 5:35 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2026.
  • Beschle was later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

The players

William Beschle

A 78-year-old man from Chaparral, New Mexico, who was driving the Hyundai Tucson involved in the fatal crash.

Ford F-350

The other vehicle involved in the collision, which was traveling in the center lane and struck the right rear of Beschle's Hyundai Tucson.

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What’s next

Police have identified Beschle's improper right-hand turn as a contributing factor in the collision, and the investigation is ongoing.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the need for all drivers, especially elderly individuals, to be vigilant and follow traffic laws to prevent such devastating crashes. It also highlights the ongoing challenges of road safety in the El Paso area.