Aidan Poole Severely Injured in Hale County, Texas DUI Crash – September 2025

In Hale County, Texas, a serious collision involving an intoxicated driver has left Randall High School graduate Aidan Poole hospitalized with severe injuries. The crash occurred on Interstate 27, where the Department of Public Safety confirmed that the other driver, Thomas Rich, was under the influence at the time of the incident. Rich has since been charged with intoxication assault.

Poole, currently in the burn unit at University Medical Center in Lubbock, sustained extensive second- and third-degree burns and faces a long road to recovery, including multiple surgeries. His mother, Kristi Poole, who was overseas when the crash occurred, has publicly demanded accountability, emphasizing that the tragic event was entirely preventable. Despite the extent of his injuries, Aidan’s first thoughts were reportedly of the other individuals involved in the crash, demonstrating his concern for others even while in acute pain.