Affidavit Details Released in Fatal College Drive Crash Involving Lufkin Pediatrician

Dr. George Fidone Photo Credit: Lufkin Police Department

LUFKIN, Texas — New details have been released in the arrest of a Lufkin pediatrician charged in connection with a January crash that killed a Pollok man.

According to the Lufkin Police Department, George Fidone, 65, was arrested Thursday and charged with one count of intoxication manslaughter and one count of intoxication assault stemming from a two-vehicle wreck that occurred Jan. 17, 2026, on College Drive.

Fidone posted a combined bond of $250,000, police said.

Crash Overview

Police said Fidone was driving a Mercedes on College Drive when he struck a Kia driven by Demarcus Hadnot, 26, of Pollok.

Hadnot was pronounced dead at the scene.

Hadnot’s passenger, Paige Turner, 24, was seriously injured and flown to a hospital in Tyler for treatment.

Fidone also suffered injuries in the crash, though those injuries were described as non-life-threatening.

Statements and Witness Account

According to a probable cause affidavit, the responding officer observed Fidone walking near his vehicle upon arrival. The officer stated Fidone walked to the Kia to check on its occupants, said, “I was just on my phone,” and then returned to his vehicle.

The affidavit states that a witness later arrived at the scene and told officers Fidone “must have been on his phone” because his vehicle showed signs of crossing into the opposite lane before making an erratic correction. The witness also reported seeing Fidone driving at a high rate of speed.

The witness said that when he looked back in his rearview mirror, he saw Fidone’s vehicle strike the Kia head-on, according to the affidavit.

Evidence and Toxicology Results

The affidavit states that both seat belts in Hadnot’s vehicle were found in “tension” mode, indicating neither occupant was secured by a seat belt at the time of the crash.

Officers reported finding a bottle of hydrocodone inside Fidone’s vehicle.

Dispatch records cited in the affidavit indicate Fidone called in the crash and told dispatchers, “I came into their lane. It’s my fault.” The call was recorded, police said.

Six days later, on Jan. 23, the responding officer obtained Fidone’s medical records from the hospital. Those records showed Fidone had a serum alcohol level of 0.14 and tested positive for opiates and THC, according to the affidavit.

The affidavit states the officer contacted a lab with the Texas Department of Public Safety, which advised that a 0.14 serum alcohol level is equivalent to approximately 0.116 blood alcohol content.

Under Texas law, the legal limit for intoxication is 0.08.

Professional Background

Fidone is a pediatric provider who practices in the region, including at The Children’s Clinic of Jasper and The Children’s Clinic of Lufkin.

Ongoing Case

The case remains under investigation. Court records and future proceedings will determine the outcome of the charges. No trial date had been announced as of publication.

This story will be updated as additional information becomes available.