Overnight Collision Results In 12th Traffic Fatality Of 2020 In San Marcos

A vehicle occupant identified as Maria D. Villegas of San Benito was killed late last night in a collision on IH-35 southbound in San Marcos at the Blanco River exit.

At approximately 2 AM, Thursday, Aug. 13, the San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) responded to a major traffic collision southbound IH35 near exit 208.

The collision involved a red 2016 Volvo semi-tractor trailer with tandem trailer and a white 2009 Dodge Journey. Callers reported one of the occupants of the Dodge, identified as Villegas, wasn’t breathing. She was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident.

Hays County EMS arrived at the scene and administered CPR. EMS transported Villegas to Ascension Seton Hays Hospital in Kyle. Attempts to revive her continued, but ultimately she was pronounced deceased.

According to SMPD investigators, the Volvo was driving in the far-right lane and the Dodge was coming up from behind. The driver of the Dodge changed lanes to avoid a vehicle approaching it from behind and struck the rear of the Volvo.   

The driver of the Dodge was identified as Jose Alberto Garcia (DOB 02/10/1997) of Grand Prairie. Garcia was given several citations for No Driver’s License, No Insurance and Failure to Control Speed. The Dodge was traveling from the Dallas area to the Rio Grande Valley. 

All lanes of IH-35 were shut down from the time of the collision and re-opened just before 4:30 AM. IH-35 was diverted at the 208 Exit with the assistance of Kyle PD.

This is the 12^th traffic fatality to occur during 2020 in San Marcos.