Palmview, Texas — The Peñitas community is mourning the death of 68-year-old Ruben Dario Molina Barron, who was killed in a three-vehicle crash Friday afternoon near Palmview.
The fatal collision happened at approximately 1:47 p.m. at the intersection of Texan Road and 5 Mile Line, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Molina Barron was identified as the driver of a Kia Optima involved in the crash.
Ruben Dario Molina Barron Identified
Ruben Dario Molina Barron, 68, was identified as the Peñitas man who died in the crash.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Molina Barron was driving a Kia Optima southbound on Texan Road when the collision occurred at the intersection with 5 Mile Line.
He died at the scene following the crash.
Three-Vehicle Crash Near Palmview
The crash involved a Ford F-250, Molina Barron's Kia Optima, and a FedEx truck.
DPS said the Ford F-250 was traveling westbound on 5 Mile Line when its driver ran a stop sign and struck the Kia Optima traveling southbound on Texan Road.
After striking the Kia, the Ford continued moving and collided with a FedEx truck that was traveling eastbound on 5 Mile Line.
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation.
Ruben Dario Molina Barron Dies at the Scene
Emergency personnel responded to the crash, but Molina Barron did not survive.
DPS confirmed that the 68-year-old Peñitas man died at the scene of the collision.
The driver and a passenger in the Ford F-250 were transported to a hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening. The driver of the FedEx truck did not require transportation to a hospital, according to DPS.
Texas DPS Investigates Fatal Crash
The Texas Department of Public Safety is continuing its investigation into the three-vehicle collision.
Investigators are expected to examine the circumstances leading up to the crash, including the movements of the vehicles and the events surrounding the reported stop-sign violation.
While DPS has provided an initial account of how the vehicles collided, the investigation remains ongoing and additional findings could be released later.
Peñitas Community Mourns
The death of Ruben Dario Molina Barron has left a community grieving after a roadway collision suddenly claimed the life of a 68-year-old resident.
For family members, friends, and others who knew Molina Barron, the crash represents a painful loss.
As those closest to him process his death, memories of his life and the moments shared with him will remain an important part of their remembrance.
Remembering Ruben Dario Molina Barron
Ruben Dario Molina Barron was 68 years old and lived in Peñitas, Texas.
His death occurred following the three-vehicle collision near Palmview on September 4, 2026.
Although detailed information about his personal life and family has not been released in the reporting reviewed, his death has brought grief to those who knew him.
Cause of Death
The available reporting establishes that Molina Barron died as a result of the fatal crash and was pronounced deceased at the scene.
No separate medical examiner report providing additional details about the official cause or manner of death was identified in the sources reviewed.
For accuracy, no further cause-of-death details should be added unless confirmed by authorities or the family.
Funeral and Memorial Information
Verified information regarding Ruben Dario Molina Barron's funeral arrangements, visitation, memorial service, or family obituary was not available in the reporting reviewed.
Those details can be added when officially released by his family, funeral home, or another reliable source.
Investigation Continues
The Texas Department of Public Safety continues to investigate the fatal crash.
The investigation will determine the complete circumstances surrounding the collision and may provide additional information about the events leading to Molina Barron's death.
For now, Ruben Dario Molina Barron is remembered as a 68-year-old Peñitas man whose life was tragically cut short in a three-vehicle collision near Palmview.
His death has left those who knew him facing a difficult period of grief as the investigation continues.
