Hunter Blake Patterson, Brett Cole Underwood Death: Abilene Firefighter and Passenger Killed in Fiery Callahan County ATV Crash After Being Struck by Car
The communities of Abilene and Clyde are grieving a heartbreaking loss after a tragic ATV crash in Callahan County claimed the lives of two young men early Friday morning.
Among those killed was 31-year-old Hunter Blake Patterson, an Abilene firefighter remembered by many as a dedicated first responder who devoted his life to helping others. Also lost in the crash was 29-year-old Brett Cole Underwood of Clyde, whose sudden passing has left family members and friends devastated.
According to investigators, the crash happened around 1 a.m. on State Highway 36 near County Road 228. Authorities said Patterson was driving a Polaris Ranger side-by-side ATV when it entered the highway from a field west of the roadway and began traveling southbound. Moments later, the vehicle was struck from behind by a southbound 2020 Toyota Corolla.
The impact threw both Patterson and Underwood from the ATV. Officials said both men suffered fatal injuries at the scene. Investigators also confirmed the side-by-side caught fire following the collision.
The driver of the Toyota Corolla was identified as 42-year-old Alfonso Martinez IV of Royse City. He was reportedly injured and first taken to Hendrick Medical Center North before later being flown to UMC Lubbock for additional treatment. His current condition has not been publicly released.
Authorities noted that weather conditions were clear and the roadway was dry at the time of the crash. Investigators also stated that neither Patterson nor Underwood was wearing a seat belt inside the Polaris Ranger.
As news of the tragedy spread across the Big Country region, tributes quickly began pouring in for both men. The loss has been especially painful for the firefighting community in Abilene, where Hunter Patterson is being remembered not only as a firefighter, but as a trusted friend, mentor, and someone people could depend on in difficult moments.
Friends described him as calm, compassionate, and deeply committed to serving others. Brett Underwood is also being remembered with love throughout Clyde, where those who knew him have shared memories of his humor, loyalty, and the strong relationships he built over the years.
For many, the tragedy has been difficult to process. Families who expected to see their loved ones again are now facing an unimaginable loss, while coworkers, friends, and entire communities struggle to come to terms with how suddenly life changed.
Within the Abilene Fire Department, the loss of Patterson is being felt on a deeply personal level. Fire departments often become close-knit families through years of shared calls, long shifts, and mutual trust. Losing one of their own so unexpectedly has left many grieving not just a colleague, but a brotherhood bond that cannot easily be replaced.
As the investigation continues, loved ones across Texas are focusing on honoring the lives of Hunter Blake Patterson and Brett Cole Underwood — remembering the laughter they shared, the friendships they built, and the impact they made on the people around them.
Authorities in Callahan County continue to investigate the crash.