Authorities continue searching for the driver accused of fatally striking a 23-year-old woman and injuring her 18-year-old brother near Robstown early Saturday morning.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the siblings were walking home after returning a vehicle when a pickup truck struck them around 3:30 a.m. on County Road 44, just west of FM 1694. The driver did not stop and left the scene.
The crash has prompted an ongoing investigation as troopers work to identify the vehicle and locate the driver.
Woman Dies After Robstown Hit-and-Run
DPS identified the woman as Kimberly Varela of Robstown. Investigators said she suffered serious injuries in the crash and was transported to CHRISTUS Spohn Hospital Corpus Christi–Shoreline.
Varela later died at the hospital from injuries sustained in the collision.
Her family said she was pregnant and was also a mother of three children, adding to the impact of the tragedy for her loved ones.
The second pedestrian, an 18-year-old man from Corpus Christi, was treated at the scene. Authorities said he was doing OK following the crash.
Siblings Were Walking Along County Road 44
According to DPS Public Information Officer Staff Sgt. Rob Mallory, troopers responded to the crash after a vehicle traveling east on County Road 44 struck the two pedestrians.
The siblings were reportedly walking in the roadway when they were hit.
Rather than remaining at the scene and providing assistance, the driver fled, according to investigators. Authorities are now asking the public to provide any information that could help identify the vehicle or driver.
DPS Identifies Suspected Pickup Truck
Investigators have released details about the vehicle they believe was involved in the fatal hit-and-run.
DPS said the suspect vehicle is believed to be a white Chevrolet Silverado pickup from model years 2007 through 2013.
Troopers also expect the truck to have noticeable front-end damage from the collision. In particular, investigators said one of the vehicle’s headlights should be damaged.
Authorities are urging residents to watch for a white Silverado matching those characteristics, particularly if it recently developed unexplained front-end damage.
Driver Remains Unidentified
The driver’s identity remains unknown as the investigation continues.
Because the crash occurred in the early morning, investigators are asking anyone traveling along County Road 44 or nearby roads at the time to consider whether they witnessed the collision or saw a vehicle leaving the area.
Witness information could help investigators determine what happened before and after the crash.
How to Report Information
Anyone with information about the fatal Robstown hit-and-run, the suspected Chevrolet Silverado, or the driver is asked to contact the DPS Corpus Christi office at 361-698-5600.
Even seemingly minor details could help investigators locate the vehicle and determine who was behind the wheel.
Troopers with the DPS Highway Patrol Office in Corpus Christi continue investigating the crash.
Meanwhile, Varela’s death has left her family mourning the loss of a young mother who, according to relatives, was also expecting a child. The investigation remains active as authorities continue working to identify the driver responsible for the crash.