TEMPLE, Texas (KWTX) – A man turned himself in to the Killeen Police Department on Thursday following a distracted driving accident in Temple that killed one bicyclist and injured another.
At around 7:42 p.m. on Feb. 9, 2026, Peyton Hoyt, 22, was allegedly driving while distracted when his vehicle struck two people riding bicycles in the middle of the roadway, according to a media release from the Temple Police Department.
The report states that both of the victims were transported to the hospital following the accident. The first victim sustaining only minor injuries; the second sustaining life-threatening injuries.
The second victim, a 16-year-old, later succumbed to their injuries and died at the hospital, according to police.
Thursday, police issued an update stating Hoyt had turned himself in after a warrant being issued for his arrest.
According to the media release, he is being charged with using of a portable wireless communication device for electronic messaging causing death, Transportation Code 545.4251.
The Temple Police Department warned against distracted driving, saying, “Any activity that takes your eyes, hands, or attention away from driving increases the risk of a crash. This includes using a cell phone, eating, adjusting the radio, or interacting with your vehicle’s navigation system.”
“Before you put your vehicle in drive, take a moment to set your destination, adjust your music, and silence notifications. Staying focused behind the wheel helps protect you, your passengers, pedestrians, and everyone else on the road,” the media release said.
Hoyt is being held in the Bell County Jail and his bond was set at $1 million.
The case is ongoing, and there will be no further information released at this time, according to the Temple Police Department.
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