EL PASO, TX — A 67-year-old Juarez man died Monday after being hit by a pickup truck near the busy Paso del Norte border crossing. The El Paso Police Department identified the victim as Juan Parga Martinez, who was attempting to cross Santa Fe Street at Paisano Drive when the collision occurred around midday.
According to investigators, Martinez entered the intersection against the pedestrian signal while a 2019 GMC Sierra was making a turn onto Paisano Drive. The truck driver, who remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities, was found not at fault after a preliminary investigation. Martinez was transported to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
The fatal accident highlights growing concerns about pedestrian safety in El Paso, where traffic fatalities have risen 21% compared to this time last year. This marks the city’s 17th traffic-related death in 2025, with several occurring near high-volume border crossings where pedestrians and vehicles frequently interact.
“These tragedies are preventable,” said EPPD Traffic Division Sgt. Robert Gomez. “We urge all pedestrians to wait for walk signals and drivers to remain extra vigilant in these high-traffic zones.” The intersection where Martinez was struck serves as a key crossing point for border commuters and sees heavy vehicle traffic throughout the day.
Martinez’s death has sparked renewed calls for enhanced pedestrian safety measures near international bridges. City officials note that additional crossing guards and improved signage were recently added to the area, but community advocates argue more needs to be done to protect vulnerable pedestrians.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine if any additional factors contributed to the crash. The EPPD reminds both drivers and pedestrians that intersection safety requires shared responsibility, especially in border communities with complex traffic patterns. Martinez’s family in Juarez has been notified as they prepare to repatriate his remains to Mexico.
