Houston, TX — April 13, 2025, Ashley Nelson was killed following a bicycle versus hit-and-run car accident at about 4:30 a.m. along State Highway 6.

According to authorities, 37-year-old Ashley Mae Nelson was crossing S.H. 6 at the Empanada Drive intersection when the accident took place.

Officials indicate that Nelson was struck by a northbound red sedan. It allegedly fled the scene, the person inside failing to stop and render aid of any sort to the victim. Nelson reportedly suffered fatal injuries due to the crash and was declared deceased at the scene.

The person who had been behind the wheel of the striking vehicle—a 28-year-old woman—was later located and apprehended, according to reports. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a cyclist is killed in a hit-and-run, the immediate focus often centers on finding and prosecuting the driver who fled. That’s certainly an important part of the process, but in my experience—especially in cases like this one on State Highway 6 at Empanada Drive in Houston—it’s just as important to ask how the crash occurred in the first place. To fully understand whether this loss of life could have been prevented, there are three critical questions that should be asked.

First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation of the roadway design and lighting at the time of the crash? At 4:30 a.m., visibility is a major concern, particularly for someone crossing on a bicycle. Investigators should examine whether there was adequate lighting at the intersection, whether a crosswalk was present, and whether there were any signs or markings to alert drivers to the potential presence of pedestrians or cyclists. If the roadway conditions did not give either party a fair chance to avoid the collision, that’s a serious concern.

Second, has anyone considered whether a mechanical or visibility-related issue may have played a role in the driver's failure to avoid the cyclist? Issues like a headlight outage, worn tires, or impaired visibility from fogged or cracked glass can significantly reduce a driver’s ability to respond in time. These details may not be obvious unless a forensic inspection of the vehicle is conducted. Even though the driver fled, understanding whether the vehicle was in proper working condition is still an essential part of determining causation.

Lastly, has all electronic and video evidence been recovered? Surveillance cameras from nearby businesses or traffic systems may have captured the crash itself or the driver’s behavior leading up to it. If the red sedan involved has an event data recorder—as most modern vehicles do—that information could show vehicle speed, braking, and steering activity in the seconds before impact. That data can help determine whether the vehicle behaved as expected and whether the driver attempted any evasive actions.

When someone loses their life and the responsible party initially leaves the scene, accountability is essential—but understanding how and why the crash occurred is just as important. Asking these questions is the least that can be done to ensure that those affected by this crash get the clarity and closure they deserve.