Stafford, TX – Gabriel “Gabe” Saldana, 17, was killed in a traffic accident on Sept. 30, authorities said.
The crash occurred at approximately 5:15 p.m. on the Westpark Tollway near the intersection of Hillcroft Ave. According to officials, Saldana was driving a sedan that collided with a pickup truck traveling in the opposite direction.
Emergency responders from the Stafford Police Department and the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office arrived on the scene shortly after the accident. Saldana was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the pickup truck sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
The Westridge-Lane was closed for approximately three hours as authorities conducted an investigation and cleared the wreckage. The cause of the collision is still under investigation, and no charges have been filed at this time.
Witnesses reported that Saldana was known for “being there for the people in his life,” and his death has prompted an outpouring of grief from friends and family in the community.
Further updates will be provided as the investigation continues.