Crash Claims Life of School Nurse in Prosper
PROSPER, TX — A violent crash at U.S. Highway 380 and Lovers Lane on Friday, March 21, has resulted in the death of a 41-year-old school nurse, Raquel Torres Sawyer.
Sawyer suffered critical injuries and later died at the hospital. According to the Prosper Police Department, the driver, 25-year-old Austin Hunter Bruckner, has been charged with intoxication manslaughter and is currently held in Collin County Jail.
Witnesses, including Don Davidson Jr., reported seeing Bruckner's pickup truck run a red light, colliding with Sawyer's vehicle as she turned left. “I never thought driving home from work… I'd witness such a horrific accident,” Davidson stated.
Police confirmed that Bruckner suffered injuries necessitating hospitalization, which prevented immediate field sobriety tests. However, authorities noted initial indications of intoxication and secured a blood warrant for testing.
Bruckner was previously arrested for DWI in 2021 and accepted a plea deal, resulting in probation. Following this incident, he also faces an unlawful carrying of a weapon charge due to the severity of the current allegations.
The investigation remains active, with detectives establishing Bruckner's movements prior to the crash. “We will go through Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission… to trace where [he] was coming from,” said Police Lt. Bryan Golden.
Sawyer is remembered fondly as an educator and school nurse. Her husband Chris expressed hopes that her story will raise awareness about the dangers of drunk driving. Little Elm ISD, her workplace, released a statement highlighting her impact on the school community.
Authorities urge the public to be responsible if consuming alcohol, as the investigation continues, and further charges may be possible.