TEMPLE, Texas — A fatal accident occurred May 17 at 1:52 a.m. in the 9500 block of Texas 36. Officials said a motorcycle struck the rear of a vehicle, leaving one person dead.
Authorities said the motorcycle was traveling west at a high rate of speed before hitting the vehicle. The impact ejected the rider, sending him over the guardrail.
The motorcycle struck the rear of a vehicle driven by an 18-year-old male from Temple.
Officials identified the deceased as Steven Sheldon, 33. He was pronounced at the scene.
Justice of the Peace Rosanne Fisher pronounced Steven Sheldon, age 33, of Killeen, dead at the scene.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Steven Sheldon tragically killed in Temple motorcycle accident
May 19, 2025
Incident Location
MOTORCYCLE CRASH INVESTIGATION
The latest data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that 6,335 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents in 2023, representing 15% of all traffic fatalities. This marks a 1.3% increase compared to 2022. The fatality rate for motorcyclists was nearly 28 times higher than that of passenger car occupants.
Candice Bond, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney, said in such cases, it is imperative to preserve evidence through an independent probe.
“In addition to a police report, an attorney will carefully review what may have contributed to the crash,” said Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. “Your lawyer has the resources to hire expert witnesses, conduct drivers’ background checks, locate witnesses to the crash and review applicable insurance coverage. Serving as an advocate, an attorney can help compassionately guide the heartbroken family of a victim during this difficult time, protecting their legal rights while ensuring that a driver is held accountable after disobeying traffic laws.”
WRONGFUL DEATH CLAIM
Pending the investigation, the family of Steven Sheldon may pursue a wrongful death claim. Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident such as this.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Bond.
“We understand just what families must go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected.”
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Accident Injury News' national legal analyst Candice Bond is experienced in motorcycle accidents, and if you or a family member need help, she is available for a free consultation to guide you
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Accident Injury News can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-986-7738 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).
