Alice, TX (November 23, 2024) – A tragic series of events on SH 359 early Saturday morning claimed the lives of Marina Ramirez, 22, of Alice, and Steven Gamez, 30, of Beeville. The double fatality occurred after a sequence of crashes that began with a collision involving a garbage truck.
The initial crash was reported at approximately 5:11 a.m. when Marina Ramirez, driving a 2016 Kia Forte northbound on SH 359, struck the back of a garbage truck traveling ahead of her. The impact left the Kia Forte immobilized in the middle of the northbound lane.
Shortly after the collision, a southbound vehicle stopped upon noticing the disabled car. Steven Gamez, a passenger in the southbound vehicle, exited to assist Ramirez. He managed to pull her out of the Kia Forte, and the two were crossing the southbound lane toward his car, parked off the roadway when they were struck by a 2019 Chevrolet Colorado traveling south.
Both Ramirez and Gamez died on impact, according to Sgt. Harold “Rob” Mallory of the Texas DPS Highway Patrol Corpus Christi District. The driver of the Chevrolet Colorado, 66-year-old Therese Trumball of Sandia, remained at the scene and is cooperating fully with authorities. She was uninjured in the incident.
The investigation into this tragic sequence of events is ongoing.
Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims during this incredibly difficult time.
Severity of Houston Vehicle Collisions
Highway crashes involving multiple vehicles and pedestrians, like the one on SH 359, can result in devastating consequences. In this incident, a combination of factors, including the initial collision and subsequent efforts to provide aid, tragically escalated into the loss of two lives.
Texas highways, particularly at night or in the early morning hours, present significant risks due to low visibility and high speeds. Drivers are reminded to remain alert and exercise caution, particularly when encountering disabled vehicles or individuals on the roadway.
In such incidents, emergency responders and investigators work diligently to piece together the series of events to determine causation and responsibility. The cooperation of all parties involved, as seen in this case, is crucial to understanding the full scope of the tragedy.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a multi-vehicle or pedestrian accident, it’s important to know your legal rights and seek support during this challenging time.
Local Accident Reports is committed to providing accurate, up-to-date information about accidents in your area. If you or someone you know has been impacted by a crash, consider reaching out to a legal professional to explore your options for obtaining compensation and support.