A tragic incident occurred in San Antonio when a speeding car veered off course, fatally striking a 70-year-old woman on her porch. The driver fled the scene, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
Marie Rose, a witness, recounted the horrifying moment when she heard the car racing towards a sharp turn. The Mercedes sedan failed to navigate the curve, launching over a curb and crashing into the home where Janice Walker was sitting. Witness accounts suggest the vehicle was traveling at approximately 60 mph, resulting in a devastating impact that left Walker critically injured.
Rose described the scene with heartbreak, stating that she pronounced the car’s speed as it flew towards the house. Despite efforts from her father to assist Walker, the driver’s decision to flee only deepened the tragedy of the situation. Rose expressed her anguish in confronting the driver’s cowardice, emphasizing that he could have faced the consequences but instead chose to abandon Walker in her time of need.
Currently, Walker’s 86-year-old mother was just inside the home when the crash occurred and attempted to comfort her daughter as they awaited help. Walker was transported to the hospital but tragically succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival.
Family member Anntwanette Hamilton shared fond memories of Walker, describing her as an extraordinarily warm person who welcomed neighbors and offered life advice, despite her limited means. Hamilton also pointed out ongoing dangers in the neighborhood, expressing concern over road improvements near Dafoste Park that reduced safety measures such as a cyclone fence and signage warning of the sharp curve.
Hamilton urged the city to act on necessary safety updates to prevent future tragedies. She called for the installation of blinking lights and updated signage to alert drivers to the curve, highlighting a critical need for intervention.
Armond Hathaway, president of the Coliseum/Willow Park Neighborhood Association, joined the call for increased safety measures, mentioning recent community efforts to add speed bumps in nearby areas. He too has fond memories of Walker and her family, advocating for proactive city engagement to create a safer environment for residents, particularly children.
The police have yet to make any arrests in the case, with witnesses providing only a vague description of the driver—described as a thin young man in a red shirt and black pants.
This distressing accident underscores the need for community action and responsiveness to road safety concerns. There is hope that this heartbreaking loss may drive attention to essential safety improvements in the area, ensuring that the vibrant community can thrive without fear of such tragedies in the future. The non-emergency number for the San Antonio Police Department has been provided for anyone who may have information related to the incident.