Incident Details: What Happened on April 13
On April 13, around 12:15 p.m., officers from CCPD’s Traffic Unit responded to a Corpus Christi car crash along the 3700 block of U.S. Highway 358 westbound. When they arrived, they found two women — 20-year-old Amanda Jimenez and a 41-year-old woman — both suffering from significant injuries.
Medics immediately transported the women to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to the CCPD’s news release. Emergency personnel also rushed five children — ages 13, 14, 3, 1, and an infant — to the hospital. Fortunately, authorities confirmed that the children’s injuries from the Corpus Christi car crash were not considered life-threatening.
Crash Circumstances: Vehicle Stall Led to the Tragedy
Investigators determined the crash unfolded when the women’s vehicle stalled on the westbound on-ramp from Weber Road. After the car became disabled, Jimenez and the other woman exited and stood before it, likely trying to assess the situation or seek help.
However, a passenger car, driven by a 28-year-old man, entered the same on-ramp and collided with the stalled vehicle. The impact was so severe that it threw both women from the front of their car.
Amanda Jimenez Succumbs to Her Injuries
Sadly, after fighting for her life for more than a week, Amanda Jimenez passed away on April 22. The Nueces County Medical Examiner’s Office officially identified her on April 28. She was only 20 years old.
Senior Officer Jennifer Collier confirmed the update to the media, noting that the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities have not publicly identified the second woman injured in the crash or released her current condition.
Driver Cited for Multiple Violations
Following the crash, police cited the 28-year-old male driver responsible for the collision. He received tickets for:
- Driving at an unsafe speed
- Having no insurance
- Transporting two children without proper seat belts
Authorities have withheld additional information about the driver, including whether they will file further charges.
Police have not yet stated whether alcohol, drugs, or distracted driving contributed to the crash. The investigation is still underway, and additional updates may follow.
Community Reactions and Important Safety Tips
Amanda Jimenez’s tragic passing has deeply saddened the Corpus Christi community, with friends, family, and residents sharing condolences online and at local vigils.
This incident also serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of highway stalls. Experts advise that if a vehicle stalls on a highway or on-ramp:
- Drivers and passengers should stay inside the car if it is safe.
- Turn on hazard lights immediately.
- Call for roadside assistance or 911.
- Exit the vehicle only if necessary and with extreme caution.
Moreover, this crash highlights the importance of adhering to traffic laws, especially regarding seat belt use and safe speeds.
What Happens Next?
The CCPD’s Traffic Unit continues its investigation and may take further legal action against the driver. Meanwhile, the community grieves the tragic loss of a young woman taken too soon.
Anyone with additional information about the crash must contact the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Traffic Unit to assist in the ongoing case.