Family seeks answers after fatal Lubbock crash

After a crash near Texas Tech University killed a young woman, her family wants answers from investigators, alleging a lack of communication and transparency.

According to her family, Jordyn Dabelstein died April 7 from severe spinal injuries in a crash at Texas Tech Parkway and Indiana Avenue. A Ford F-150 collided with her from behind while she was stationary at the intersection.

Texas Tech police responded. The University Medical Centre kept Dabelstein on life support for two days before her death.

In the days since the crash, family members have struggled to find answers.

“The Texas Tech Police Department hasn’t just shown a lack of communication but a lack of empathy,” said Dabelstein’s uncle, Seth Teague. “We're the victim's family, and they're treating us like perpetrators.”

The 81-year-old pickup truck driver's passenger told police he may have “blacked out” before the crash, according to a Tuesday police report. A report says the driver was hospitalised with minor injuries.

According to the family, the report does not describe any medical emergency and no blood test was given for drugs or alcohol.

Teague said relatives were initially told the case was closed and the driver would not be charged due to a medical episode. He said they later learned the case is still under investigation.

“They told the family that the individual involved was an elderly man having a medical emergency,” Teague said. “Now we’re told it’s an ongoing investigation, but nothing has been done.”

Teague said an off-duty Lubbock Police Department officer who witnessed the aftermath contacted the family to question the scene's handling.

The family also obtained dashcam footage from another driver showing a similar truck driving erratically before the crash.

According to Teague, the incident report clearly indicates negligence.

Authorities have not addressed the family's claims or the investigation.

Teague said the family is preparing to sue as they dig into the crash.