EL PASO, Texas — A 78-year-old man has died following a tragic crash that sent his vehicle into a building in East El Paso on Monday afternoon. Authorities identified the victim as Luis Hernandez Vasquez, who was transported to a hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries, according to the El Paso Police Department.
Police said the incident occurred when Vasquez, driving a 2008 Nissan Sentra, reportedly ran a stop sign at the intersection of Grover and Hawkins. The vehicle struck a center median, causing it to go airborne and crash into a nearby building. Witnesses in the area reported hearing a loud crash and seeing smoke moments before emergency responders arrived. The building sustained visible damage, though no other injuries were reported.
Emergency medical personnel arrived quickly and performed life-saving measures at the scene before rushing Vasquez to a nearby hospital. Despite their efforts, the El Paso Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Vasquez later died from his injuries. Authorities said the cause of the crash remains under investigation, and it is unclear whether a medical emergency or mechanical failure played a role.
The El Paso Police Department’s Special Traffic Investigations Unit has taken over the case. Detectives are reviewing traffic camera footage, examining vehicle evidence, and speaking with witnesses to piece together the sequence of events. Police have not indicated whether excessive speed or impairment were factors in the crash. Officials emphasized the importance of safe driving practices, particularly at intersections known for frequent collisions.
According to police statistics, Vasquez’s death marks El Paso’s 52nd traffic-related fatality in 2025, compared to 55 at the same time last year. Authorities say the decline is encouraging but stress that even one life lost is one too many. They continue to remind drivers to obey traffic signals, remain alert, and avoid distractions while behind the wheel.
Residents in the area expressed sadness and shock following the deadly crash. “It’s heartbreaking,” said one neighbor. “You never think something like this will happen right around the corner.” As investigators work to determine what caused the fatal accident, the community mourns the loss of a longtime El Paso resident whose life was tragically cut short.