PETTUS, Texas — A 42-year-old woman from Bee County tragically lost her life on Saturday night after being struck by a vehicle on U.S. Highway 181 near Pettus. The incident occurred around 10:42 p.m., approximately one mile south of the town.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Mary Perez, a resident of Pettus, was walking southbound along the shoulder of the highway. For reasons still under investigation, Perez suddenly ran across the highway and into the path of an oncoming vehicle. The vehicle, a BMW 340I, was traveling southbound in the inside lane when the collision occurred. The driver, a 77-year-old man from Tuleta, Texas, was unable to avoid the impact, and the vehicle came to a stop immediately on the shoulder of the road.
Despite the driver’s swift response and attempts to assist, Perez was pronounced dead at the scene. There were no signs of survival after the collision, and the driver of the BMW was reported to have not sustained any injuries. Local law enforcement and state troopers from the Beeville Highway Patrol Office are investigating the incident, working to determine the circumstances surrounding Perez’s actions on the road.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to piece together the moments leading up to the tragic accident. At this time, no additional details about the cause of Perez’s actions have been released. Officials have expressed their condolences to the family and are continuing to gather evidence in the hopes of better understanding the events.
The tragic death of Mary Perez serves as a stark reminder of the dangers pedestrians face when walking near busy highways, especially at night when visibility can be limited. Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the accident or has additional information to come forward and assist with the investigation.
As the investigation continues, local officials and law enforcement remain committed to providing updates and ensuring a thorough examination of the circumstances that led to this tragic loss of life.