Andrew J. Uzdavines Obituary, Death – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has released the identity of the man who died in a two-vehicle crash that occurred earlier this week in Bandera County. The fatal collision involved a longtime county resident and a local government official.
According to a DPS spokesperson, the victim has been identified as 78-year-old Andrew J. Uzdavines. He was driving a 1999 Toyota Tacoma when the crash took place on Wednesday, April 10, at approximately 2:00 p.m. The incident occurred along State Highway 16, a major thoroughfare that cuts through the scenic Hill Country area of Bandera County.
Preliminary reports from DPS indicate that a 2019 Dodge Ram was traveling southbound on the highway when Uzdavines attempted to enter the road from a private driveway. As he pulled out in the path of the oncoming Dodge, the two vehicles collided. The impact of the crash was severe, and Uzdavines was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the Dodge Ram was later confirmed to be Troy Konvicka, who currently serves as the Precinct 1 commissioner for Bandera County. His identity was confirmed by the DPS and matched information listed on the official Bandera County website. There has been no public statement from Konvicka or his office regarding the crash as of this writing.
Officials have not reported any injuries to Konvicka or whether he required medical treatment following the collision. The DPS has stated that the investigation into the crash remains ongoing, and it is not yet clear whether any charges will be filed or if additional contributing factors—such as road conditions, speed, or visibility—played a role.
Details beyond the basic facts of the crash remain limited. Authorities have not indicated whether any witnesses were present, nor have they released any findings related to toxicology reports, though such steps are typically part of standard procedures in fatal crash investigations.
The news of Uzdavines’ death has shaken the local community, where he was known as a longtime resident. Neighbors describe him as a friendly and quiet man who often enjoyed the outdoors and took pride in his home and property. As the community comes to terms with the tragedy, condolences are being shared with his family and friends, who are now coping with the sudden and unexpected loss.
The crash also brings attention to the safety risks involved when entering highways from private driveways, especially along rural routes like State Highway 16. Such roadways often lack acceleration lanes or clear sight lines, which can make merging into traffic hazardous. DPS troopers have long emphasized the need for extra caution in such scenarios, particularly for older drivers who may face reduced visibility or slower reaction times.
The involvement of a public official adds another layer of complexity to the incident, though at this point, authorities have not suggested that Konvicka was at fault or violated any traffic laws. Nonetheless, transparency and thorough investigation remain key in ensuring public trust and accountability, especially when government figures are involved.
Bandera County officials have not issued a formal statement in response to the crash, and Konvicka has not been placed on leave or indicated any plans to step back from his official duties. The DPS has reiterated that the case is under investigation, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Meanwhile, the community is left with a mixture of grief and unanswered questions. Uzdavines’ death serves as a somber reminder of how quickly life can be lost on the road. Even a routine drive or simple attempt to enter a highway can turn deadly in a matter of seconds.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement is expected to examine physical evidence from the scene, review possible surveillance footage from nearby properties, and speak with anyone who may have witnessed the crash. The findings will be used to determine whether any traffic violations occurred or whether the incident was simply a tragic accident.
In the coming days, Uzdavines’ family is expected to release information about funeral services and memorial arrangements. The community, still stunned by the loss, will likely come together to remember the man many knew as a kind and dependable neighbor.
The DPS urges all drivers to remain cautious when navigating rural highways and intersections, especially when entering from side roads or private driveways. Situational awareness, patience, and defensive driving can make all the difference in preventing future tragedies like this one.
For now, one life has been lost, and another remains under public scrutiny as the facts continue to unfold. The investigation is ongoing, and the community waits for answers while mourning the death of Andrew J. Uzdavines.
