Deer Park Pipeline Explosion Linked to Driver's Suicide, Medical Examiner Confirms
The September crash that caused a massive fire and evacuations was determined to be an intentional act by the driver, who had a history of mental health struggles.
- The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences ruled that Jonathan McEvoy Sr., 51, died by suicide after crashing his SUV into a natural gas pipeline in Deer Park on September 16, 2024.
- The crash triggered a three-day fire, leading to evacuations of nearby homes and businesses and causing injuries to four individuals, including a firefighter.
- McEvoy had a documented history of suicide attempts and alcohol abuse and had recently been discharged from a rehabilitation center prior to the incident.
- The identification of McEvoy's remains, which were severely burned, was achieved using radiography comparison, a forensic technique that examines unique bone structures.
- The fire released significant amounts of hazardous chemicals into the air, as reported by Energy Transfer to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.
Houston Public Media 