by Hillsboro, Texas — A stranded motorist who had run out of fuel and was waiting for a police officer to return with gas was struck and killed early Monday morning along a busy stretch of Interstate 35, according to Hillsboro Department of Public Safety officials.
The fatal incident unfolded shortly after daybreak and prompted a temporary shutdown of the interstate as first responders worked to provide aid and investigate what led to the deadly collision.
Welfare Check Leads to Tragic Turn
Authorities said officers were dispatched at 5:12 a.m. Monday to conduct a welfare check on a person reported to be stranded on the southbound shoulder of Interstate 35 near the 369-mile marker.
When an officer arrived at the scene, they made contact with the driver, who explained that they had run out of gas and were unable to continue their trip.
According to officials, the officer offered to help by purchasing fuel and returning so the driver could safely leave the area and make it home.
Officer Leaves to Get Gas as Safety Concerns Continue
While the officer was away getting gas, Hillsboro DPS said additional calls began coming into emergency services from passing motorists who were concerned about a person standing near the roadway in the dark.
Interstate 35 is a heavily traveled corridor, particularly during early morning hours when visibility can be limited and traffic often moves at high speeds.
Officials did not specify whether the driver was standing outside the vehicle or attempting to signal for help when those calls were made.
Officer Returns to Find Driver Struck
When the officer returned to the scene with fuel, they discovered that the stranded individual had been struck by a passing vehicle.
“The officer immediately called for EMS and began life-saving measures,” Hillsboro DPS said in a statement.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, and Hillsboro DPS Fire Rescue transported the victim to Hill Regional Medical Center for treatment.
Despite those efforts, officials said the person later died from their injuries at the hospital.
Interstate Temporarily Shut Down
Following the collision, authorities temporarily shut down Interstate 35 in the area as a safety precaution and to allow investigators to examine the scene.
Traffic disruptions lasted for several hours while first responders worked and crews cleared the roadway.
Officials did not release details about the vehicle that struck the pedestrian or whether the driver remained at the scene.
Identity Withheld as Investigation Continues
The identity of the victim has not been released, pending notification of next of kin.
Hillsboro DPS confirmed that the cause of the incident remains under investigation, and no further details were immediately available about contributing factors such as speed, lighting conditions, or whether impairment played a role.
Anyone with information related to the incident has been asked to contact Sgt. Quintana with the Hillsboro Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Investigations Division.
Safety Risks Highlighted Along Highways
The incident underscores the dangers faced by motorists who become stranded on high-speed roadways, particularly during nighttime or early morning hours.
Law enforcement agencies frequently advise drivers to remain inside their vehicles when stopped on highways if it is safe to do so, activate hazard lights, and move as far off the roadway as possible while waiting for assistance.
Officials also urge drivers traveling at highway speeds to remain alert, slow down when approaching stopped vehicles, and move over when possible to reduce the risk of roadside collisions.
Community Urged to Stay Alert
While investigators continue to piece together what happened, officials emphasized that roadway safety depends on both stranded motorists and passing drivers exercising caution.
The department said additional updates will be released if new information becomes available as the investigation progresses.
What steps do you think could improve safety for stranded drivers on busy highways? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
