Muckleroy & Falls via Facebook
Zach Muckleroy
Tributes and messages of support continued to pour in after the tragic passing of Zach Muckleroy and his two children on Wednesday evening, all three victims in a three-vehicle accident on U.S. 281 in Blanco County, according to first responders.
Muckleroy’s wife, Lauren, was the sole survivor of the family. She was said to be in critical but stable condition at an Austin hospital.
Muckleroy, a graduate and former football player at TCU, was the CEO of Muckleroy & Falls, a commercial contractor based in Fort Worth.
The company confirmed the deaths of Muckleroy and his children, 12-year-old Judson and 9-year-old Lindsay, on Thanksgiving Day.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Zach Muckleroy and his children. Our thoughts and prayers for peace are with the Muckleroy family, as well as their friends and colleagues, during this time of sorrow," Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Steve Montgomery said in a statement on Monday. "As the CEO of Muckleroy & Falls, Zach was a significant figure in Fort Worth’s business community and an active member of the chamber. His contributions were vital to the economic development of Fort Worth.
"This tragedy serves as a reminder of the preciousness of family and the importance of cherishing life’s moments.”
The accident occurred in the 14000 block of U.S. 281 around 6:40 p.m. Wednesday in Round Mountain, according to a spokesman for the North Blanco County EMS. Round Mountain is about 50 miles northwest of Austin.
Few details about the accident have been disclosed, though officials with the Texas Department of Public Safety have said a pickup truck crossed into the southbound lanes of the highway and struck the Muckleroys' SUV.
Lauren Muckleroy and another victim, who later died, were airlifted to hospitals in Austin, according to authorities. A sixth person involved in the accident was released at the scene.
Since 2020, Zach Muckleroy had led the company his father Harold Muckleroy founded 40 years ago.
“My heart breaks for the Muckleroy family following the loss of Zach & his two beautiful children,” former Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “Tom & I ask that you join us in prayer to uplift the entire Muckleroy family, especially his wife Lauren, as she recovers from the accident & grieves the loss of her beloved family.
“Our community lost an incredible husband, father, son, friend — and above all, servant leader. Please join us in praying for the Muckleroy family and supporting our community as we heal from this devastating loss.”
Muckleroy graduated from TCU with a degree in accounting and finance. At TCU, he was a walk-on football player and member of 1998 team that won the Sun Bowl in Dennis Franchione’s first season.
In a post on X, former TCU coach Gary Patterson called Muckleroy a “great husband, dad, and friend.”
TCU will be hosting a blood drive in support of the family and to assist Austin blood banks which have contributed to Lauren Muckleroy’s care. A mobile unit of Carter Blood Care will be at TCU, near the Winthrop Rockefeller Building for Ranch Management, on Thursday. Register for a time in advance here.
“Zach had a charisma about him and the uncanny ability to light up any room he walked into,” a post read on the Muckleroy & Falls Facebook page. “He had a charitable heart that made lasting impacts on the Fort Worth Community. He treasured his family and was a proud alumni of TCU.
“He was passionate about the construction industry and led the Muckleroy & Falls team with a calming demeanor.
“He will be greatly missed.
“We ask that you keep his wife, Lauren, parents, Harold & Pat, siblings, Alyson & Steve Gasper, and David & Madison Muckleroy in your prayers.
“The M&F Family is heartbroken.”