Investigation Into Female's Death at 4500 Southwest Freeway

April 6, 2009 - Houston police are investigating the death of a female at 4500 Southwest Freeway (US 59 South) about 10:20 p.m. on Saturday (Apr. 4).

The female victim, 41, died at the scene after she was hit by a vehicle while trying to stop northbound traffic on the Southwest Freeway. Her identity is pending notification to family members by the Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office.

HPD Vehicular Crimes Division Sergeant J. Chambers reported:

The woman was parked on the inside shoulder of the northbound lanes of the Southwest Freeway with a flat tire.  According to witnesses and Houston TranStar, the woman got out of her vehicle and stood in a traffic lane trying to stop traffic; causing several cars to swerve in order to miss her.  The woman got back on the shoulder, but then jumped back into the traffic lanes.  An 18-wheeler swerved to miss her and struck another vehicle.  A white Toyota Tundra pickup, which was behind the vehicle struck by the 18-wheeler, swerved to miss the accident and entered the lane where the woman was standing, fatally striking her.  According to Houston TranStar, the woman was struck by several other vehicles, which did not stop.
 
The Houston Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Division and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office are investigating the case.

Inc. #048262309
KJS/JC

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200 .