HOUSTON – A fallen stop sign resulted in a two-vehicle accident that killed a woman on Sunday in Southeast Houston, police said.
The incident happened in the 1000 block of Hackney near Jefferson.
Houston police said the driver of a Buick Enclave ran a stop sign and struck a Toyota Corolla.
Inside the Toyota was 69-year-old Marta Argueta and her husband. Family members told KPRC the couple was on their way to church.
"The usual route that they always take,” said Ana Argueta, the couple’s youngest daughter.
Ana said her father is not taking the news well, he was driving and told them there was nothing he could have done, the car crossed the intersection without warning.
"They have known each other since they were 7,” she said. “They grew up together and came to the U.S. when they were in their 30s. The big family we have here is because of them. They started it all.”
Marta leaves behind five children, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Her daughter said Marta worked hard her entire life and retired from being a cook for HISD, she wanted to spend more time with her family.
“She was just being grandma and serving the Lord, that was what she dedicated her to now,” said Argueta.
Neighbors told KPRC the stop sign at that intersection was loose.
One of the screws had come out and the heavy winds on Sunday knocked if off the pole.
Police said the driver of the other car didn’t see the sign, which was lying on the ground.
The driver was not issued a citation, but the crash remains under investigation.
A spokesperson for the city of Houston Public Works department said residents need to call 311 and report any loose or damaged signs in their neighborhoods.
“She was a loving woman,” said Argueta. “She cared for everybody and they came to her for help. She would never turn anybody down. If single moms needed help getting a car she would help those people. She did that for our family and for everybody else.”
A GoFundMe account has been set up in Marta's name to help pay for funeral expenses.