Fort Worth construction CEO, TCU alum killed in car accident along with his 2 children
The CEO of a Fort Worth construction company and TCU alumnus was killed in a car accident the day before Thanksgiving along with his two children while on their way to visit family in Central Texas.
Zach Muckleroy of Muckleroy & Falls; son Judson, 12; and daughter Lindsay, 9; died in an accident near Johnson City on Wednesday night, according to a message University Christian Church in Fort Worth sent to members.
Muckleroy’s wife, Lauren, survived the accident, but had to be airlifted to an Austin hospital, where she was in stable but critical condition, the message said.
“Zach had a charisma about him and the uncanny ability to light up any room he walked into,” Muckleroy & Falls officials posted on social media. “He had a charitable heart that made lasting impacts on the Fort Worth community. He treasured his family and was a proud alumni of TCU.”
A spokesperson for North Blanco County EMS didn’t identify the victims but said it was a three-vehicle accident that occurred Wednesday night in the 14000 block of U.S. Highway 281 in Round Mountain.
One adult and two children died at the scene, according to the spokesperson. Two adults were airlifted to hospitals, where one of them died. A sixth person was released at the scene.
In an update Tuesday, the Texas Department of Public Safety released a preliminary report in which investigators found that, for unknown reasons, another driver crossed the double yellow line into oncoming traffic and hit the Muckleroy family’s Chevrolet SUV head on. Lauren was driving the SUV headed south, and Zach and the children were passengers.
The man driving the Toyota Tacoma that hit their SUV was taken to a hospital, where he died. His name has not been released.
The driver of a third car, a Nissan that was following the SUV and rolled over after the initial collision, was treated and released at the scene, according to DPS. The investigation is ongoing.
Muckleroy graduated from TCU with a degree in accounting and finance with a real estate concentration, according to the company’s website. He also walked onto the TCU football team in 1998, the year the Horned Frogs won the Sun Bowl.
Former TCU football coach Gary Patterson tweeted about the accident and described Muckleroy as a great “husband, dad and friend.”
Zach Muckleroy took over as CEO of Muckleroy & Falls in 2020. His father, Harold Muckleroy, founded the company more than 40 years ago.
“We ask that you keep his wife, Lauren, parents, Harold & Pat, siblings, Alyson & Steve Gasper, and David & Madison Muckleroy in your prayers,” the company’s Facebook post said.
A vigil for Zach, Judson and Lindsay was held in the University Christian Church sanctuary on Friday night, Nov. 24.
The vigil was open to members of the community, and members of the clergy were available to pray with attendees. There were also resources available for children to help them process their grief, according to the church.
“Zach was born and raised here and was raising his family here as well,” the Rev. Russ Peterman of University Christian Church said at the vigil, according to WFAA-TV. “He is currently the chair of our elders. This is a big loss for our community of faith.”
Lauren Muckleroy has been told that her husband and children did not survive, Peterman said.
“Waking up to know that your entire family is lost, I just can’t imagine,” he said.
The children attended Tanglewood Elementary School in Fort Worth, according to friends’ posts on social media.
This story was originally published November 24, 2023 at 10:14 AM.
