A 71-year-old woman, identified as Ricarda Meza Escobedo, originally from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, died on November 1, 2025 after several days of hospitalization as a result of injuries sustained in a hit-and-run accident in downtown El Paso, Texas.
The accident occurred on October 24, 2025, at about 9:32 a.m., at the intersection of Stanton Street and 7th Avenue, an area with high vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
Ricarda Meza Escobedo was just crossing the street
According to the preliminary report from the El Paso Police Department’s Special Traffic Investigations (STI) Unit, Monica Salas, 58, a resident of Sunland Park, New Mexico, was driving a Chevrolet Colorado model 2024 pickup truck southbound on Stanton when she attempted to make a left turn onto 7th Street.
At that moment, it struck Mrs. Ricarda Meza Escobedo, who was crossing the street as a pedestrian.
Ricarda was immediately transported to a local hospital with serious injuries, especially to her head.
There she remained hospitalized for several days and underwent two emergency brain surgeries.
Sadly, he passed away on November 1, as notified by the County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Two other women were also in the vehicle: Teresa Muñoz, 70, a resident of Sunland Park, and Maria Muñoz, 64, a resident of Ciudad Juarez.
None of them were injured.
Authorities have indicated that a failure to yield to a pedestrian was a determining factor in the accident.
The investigation remains open and it has not been confirmed whether formal charges will be filed against the driver involved.
Ricarda was from Juarez and had crossed into El Paso on a shopping trip
Ricarda Meza Escobedo did not reside in the United States.
That day he had crossed from Ciudad Juarez to do some shopping, as he used to do on a regular basis.
Her relatives describe her as a kind, humble and much loved woman, mother, sister and aunt, whose loss has left a great emotional void and considerable financial burden.
This case represents the 56th traffic fatality in El Paso in 2025, compared to 57 deaths recorded in the same period in 2024, according to official Police Department statistics.
GoFundMe page opened to ask for help
The family has launched a fundraising campaign on GoFundMe to cover medical and funeral expenses and the transfer of the body back to Ciudad Juarez.
Although the investigation continues, the costs must be covered immediately.
Please consider making a donation or sharing this campaign. Every little bit helps us give Ricarda the dignified farewell she deserves
Ricarda's family
The community can support by donating or sharing the campaign so that more people can support the cause.
HERE you can donate to help the family of Ricarda Meza Escobedo to bring her back to Mexico.
