Available 
SAN ANTONIO, Bexar County, Texas, Oct. 17, 2026 — An 18-year-old woman died early on Saturday morning, October 17, after stepping out of a disabled car on US 281 in San Antonio. She was struck by another vehicle in the northbound lanes near Isom Road.
The woman's car had broken down and come to a stop partially in a travel lane and partially on the shoulder. A passerby had pulled over to help her push the car clear of traffic. Officers said she had just stepped out of the driver's side when another vehicle hit her. She was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the police. Her name has not been released.
The driver who struck her remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. Police said that the driver showed no signs of intoxication, and officials do not expect to file criminal charges at this time.
Northbound US 281 was closed for several hours while officers investigated and worked to clear the roadway. The highway reopened to traffic shortly before 7 a.m. The investigation is ongoing.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased.
Local Crash Information for San Antonio, TX
The fatal crash was reported on US-281 in San Antonio. For more crash news from the area, see our latest Bexar County crash news.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a fatal crash investigation like this typically take?
Police usually release an initial cause within days, but a full investigation, including crash reconstruction and toxicology results, can take weeks or longer before it's formally closed.
Does impairment usually play a role in fatal crashes?
It's a factor in many fatal crashes, but not all. Investigators typically test involved drivers and release findings once results are confirmed, as appears to be the case here.
Where do fatal crashes like this most commonly happen?
Highway shoulders and travel lanes are common sites for pedestrian deaths, especially during breakdowns at night when visibility is low and vehicles are moving at highway speed.
What to Do After a Disabled Vehicle Breakdown in San Antonio, TX
If your car breaks down on a highway, try to get it as far onto the shoulder as possible and turn on hazard lights. Staying inside the vehicle with a seatbelt on is usually safer than standing outside near traffic, especially at night. If you must exit, move well away from travel lanes and call for roadside assistance or police rather than attempting to push the car yourself. After any roadside incident, even one that seems minor, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider and filing a report with police so there's an official record of what happened.
