A tragic incident occurred on February 2 when a stranded driver in Hillsboro, Texas, was struck and killed by a passing vehicle while waiting for help on the side of Interstate 35. The victim, who had run out of gas, was reportedly standing near the roadway after a police officer had gone to retrieve fuel for them.
What Happened:
The Hillsboro Department of Public Safety received a call around 5 a.m. on Monday reporting a stranded motorist on the southbound shoulder of I-35 near the 369-mile marker. When an officer arrived, the driver explained that they had run out of gas, and the officer offered to purchase fuel and bring it back to the scene.
As the officer went to fetch the gas, several concerned motorists called in to report the stranded driver standing near the road, prompting further attention from authorities. Tragically, upon returning with the fuel, the officer discovered that the stranded driver had been struck by a passing vehicle. Emergency services were quickly called to the scene.
Rescue Efforts and Outcome:
Life-saving measures were immediately administered, and the southbound lanes of I-35 were temporarily closed to allow for the emergency response. The victim was transported by Hillsboro DPS Fire Rescue to Hill Regional Medical Center, where they later succumbed to their injuries. Authorities confirmed that next of kin had been notified of the devastating incident.
Investigation and Next Steps:
The cause of the accident remains under investigation by the Hillsboro Department of Public Safety. No arrests or charges have been made at this time. Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Hillsboro DPS’s Criminal Investigations Division.
Looking Ahead:
As the investigation continues, this tragedy highlights the dangers of being stranded on busy highways and the importance of taking precautions when waiting for help. The Hillsboro community is left grieving, and authorities are working to gather more details to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the accident.
