A pedestrian was fatally struck on IH 35 near Natalia this past Wednesday, July 5, 2017 around 10:05 p.m. The accident occurred at mile marker 129.
According to DPS, for unknown reasons, Maria Luisa Cochran, 42, of San Antonio walked into the southbound lane of IH-35 near the rest area. A Ford Mustang driven by a Devine man was unable to avoid Ms. Cochran and struck her. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is ongoing. No other information was available from DPS.
“A chain reaction occurred and multiple vehicles were involved, unable to avoid the wreckage including a van, an SUV, and an 18 wheeler,” said Natalia VFD Assistant Chief Gilbert Rodriguez. “The northbound lane of IH 35 was closed until after the two Air Life helicopters lifted off with their patients. It was then reduced to one lane. The southbound lane was closed for at least 6 hours until after the DPS investigation and measurements, and was reopened sometime after 4:00 a.m.” The southbound traffic was rerouted through Lytle. Some animals were taken care of by Natalia PD.
Approximately 50 emergency personnel (law, medical, fire, highway) were used to help with the scene of this magnitude and to secure the safety of those involved. They include DPS, Medina County SO, Natalia PD, Lytle PD, Devine PD, TXDOT, EMS, AirLife, Lytle Fire, and Natalia Fire.
By Kathleen Calame
Publisher