Clay County, TX (August 4, 2025) — A deadly crash occurred late Saturday night, taking the life of a Wichita Falls woman in a two-vehicle collision near the town of Petrolia.

According to reports, the crash happened at approximately 11:45 p.m. on August 3 at the intersection of West Benton Street and South Prairie Avenue. Authorities with the Texas Department of Public Safety stated that 36-year-old Brittany Michelle Bowman was behind the wheel of a 2012 Nissan Altima heading northwest on South Prairie Avenue when the vehicle collided with a 2012 Dodge Ram driven by 47-year-old Marc Stephen Deffenbaugh of Abilene, who was traveling northeast on West Benton Street.

The impact forced Bowman’s vehicle off the road and into a ditch. She was pronounced deceased at the scene. Deffenbaugh sustained serious injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

This story is based on initial statements from the Texas Department of Public Safety and is likely to be updated as further details emerge.

• Names and identities of all individuals involved are subject to final confirmation and next-of-kin notification by authorities.
• Additional factors such as road conditions, mechanical failure, or toxicology findings will be reviewed during the ongoing investigation.
• Traffic patterns and area road closures following the incident may affect local travel and should be monitored through official channels.

This report is intended for informational use only and should not replace professional legal or medical advice. All information reflects what was publicly available at the time of writing and may evolve. If you or a loved one were involved in a similar incident, seeking legal counsel is strongly advised. The publisher bears no responsibility for decisions made based on this report. Learn more with our disclaimer.