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 along Interstate 35. The victim, who had run out of gas, was reportedly standing near the road after collecting fuel for a police officer.
What happened:
The Hillsboro Department of Public Safety received a call around 5 a.m. Monday morning reporting a motorist stranded on the southbound shoulder of I-35 near the 369-mile marker. When an officer arrived, the driver reported he was out of gas, and the officer offered to buy fuel and drive him back to the scene.
As the officer went to get gas, several concerned motorists called in to report the stranded driver parked near the road, further attracting the officers’ attention. Tragically, upon returning with fuel, the officer discovered that the stranded driver had been hit by a passing vehicle. Emergency services were immediately called to the scene.
Rescue efforts and results:
Life-saving measures were immediately taken, and the southbound lanes of I-35 were temporarily closed to allow emergency response. The victim was transported by Hillsboro DPS Fire Rescue to Hill Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries. Officials confirmed that family members have been informed about the devastating incident.
Investigation and next steps:
The cause of the crash is being investigated by the Hillsboro Department of Public Safety. No arrests or charges have been made at this time. Officers are asking anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the Hillsborough DPS Criminal Investigation Division.
looking ahead:
As the investigation continues, this tragedy highlights the dangers of being stranded on busy highways and the importance of exercising caution while waiting for help. The Hillsborough community is in mourning, and officials are working to gather more details to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the crash.