SAN ANTONIO, TX – A 20-year-old man was tragically killed early Saturday morning while trying to cross a major highway in northeast San Antonio. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the victim as Federico Gonzalez. His life was cut short after he was struck by a vehicle on Loop 410, near the Perrin Beitel exit. The fatal accident happened around 1:50 a.m., according to police.
Officers were dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of a pedestrian being hit. When they arrived, they found Gonzalez lying on the highway. A Toyota Tundra pickup truck was stopped nearby, close to the Interstate 35 exit ramp. The driver, later identified as 42-year-old Joseph Cortez, stayed at the scene and cooperated with authorities.
Investigators believe Gonzalez had been at a nearby dance hall before the incident. For unknown reasons, he left the venue and attempted to cross Loop 410 on foot. During this attempt, he was hit by the pickup truck driven by Cortez. The exact reason Gonzalez tried to cross the busy highway is still unclear, and police are continuing their investigation.
Authorities said Cortez showed signs of intoxication at the scene. After being evaluated, he was taken into custody for allegedly driving under the influence. Although official charges have not been released yet, police say he is likely to face charges related to intoxication and the fatal crash. The case is still under review as investigators gather more details.
This tragic event highlights the dangers of crossing highways on foot, especially during the early morning hours when visibility is poor. It also serves as another painful reminder of the deadly consequences of drunk driving. Community leaders and safety advocates continue to stress the importance of responsible driving and pedestrian safety.
As the family of Federico Gonzalez mourns their loss, authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has additional information to come forward. Meanwhile, local officials may revisit talks about improving pedestrian access and preventing impaired driving. The city grieves the loss of a young life, while the legal process moves forward to hold those responsible accountable.
