Background: News footage of the scene where Xochitl Santos was fatally struck by a car on Dec. 23 (KTRK). Inset: Xochitl Santos (Facebook).
Authorities are currently investigating a tragic car accident that resulted in the death of a Texas woman in her own driveway.
On the afternoon of December 23, Xochitl Santos, aged 43, was standing beside her Toyota Sienna at her Houston home when a driver of a Chevy Cobalt lost control and crashed into her, trapping her between the two vehicles. The Houston Police Department reported that the impact led to the amputation of one of Santos’ legs on the spot, and her other leg was severely injured. Despite her family’s immediate assistance and her swift transfer to the hospital, Santos succumbed to her injuries.
The mother of four was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.
According to statements given to local Fox station KRIV, a 34-year-old man was apprehended at the scene but later released. The driver reportedly exhibited signs of intoxication and was speeding through the neighborhood. While no charges have been filed yet, the investigation into the fatal incident continues.
Surveillance footage obtained by ABC affiliate KTRK from a nearby business captured the moment of the crash, which occurred around 4:30 p.m. on December 23. The video purportedly shows the suspect’s Cobalt speeding along the street, trailing a gold Toyota sedan.
Investigators revealed to KTRK that the suspect had been engaged in a dispute with his girlfriend at an apartment complex a short distance from Santos’ residence. The girlfriend, who was driving the gold sedan, left the area, and the suspect allegedly pursued her in his Cobalt. Police indicated that in his attempt to catch up with the gold sedan, the suspect lost control, resulting in the tragic collision with Santos.
KTRK reported that witnesses told police they heard a man and a woman arguing at the apartment complex in the time leading up to the crash. Residents of that complex told KTRK that the couple were former residents who were visiting friends who still lived there. The couple reportedly got into an argument at the gathering.
Houston Police Department Lt. Larry Crowson told local NBC affiliate KPRC, “Obviously he was driving at a high rate of speed down a residential street, so he could be charged with manslaughter, negligent homicide or something like that depending on what the [district attorney] comes up with, even if he’s not intoxicated.”
Police said the investigation was ongoing. The suspect has not been named or charged with any crimes.
