HILL COUNTY, Texas - A stranded motorist died early Monday after being struck by a vehicle along Interstate 35 in Hill County, despite efforts by emergency responders to provide aid, authorities said.
According to the Hillsboro Department of Public Safety (HDPS), communications officers received a call at approximately 5:12 a.m. on Feb. 2, 2026, from a passing motorist requesting a welfare check on a stranded vehicle parked on the southbound shoulder of I-35 near mile marker 369.
An HDPS officer responded and contacted the motorist, who reported having run out of gas. The officer offered to obtain fuel and return so the individual could leave safely. While the officer was away, additional calls were received from motorists expressing concern that the individual was standing close to active lanes of traffic.
When the officer returned with gasoline, he immediately radioed for emergency assistance, reporting that the motorist had been struck by a vehicle. Life-saving measures were initiated at the scene, and additional emergency and medical resources were dispatched. As a precaution, southbound lanes of I-35 were temporarily shut down.
Hillsboro DPS Fire Rescue transported the injured individual to Hill Regional Medical Center, where the motorist later died from their injuries. Authorities said next of kin have been notified.
The incident remains under investigation by the Criminal Investigations Division of the Hillsboro Department of Public Safety. Anyone with questions or information is asked to contact Sgt. Quintana.
HDPS thanked assisting agencies for their response, including the Hill County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Transportation, AirEvac Air Medical, and the Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol.
