While husband hunts for help, woman dies in apparent weather-related drowning

Woman found dead after being stranded on top of her car during heavy storms

HOUSTON – Houston police are investigating the death of a woman found just after 11 Saturday morning in the 1900 block of Briar Grove.

According to police 30-year-old Maria Diego-Martinez was driving west in the 6300 block of Beverly Hill Street when she lost control of her vehicle and hit a fence.  Police said the vehicle went through the fence and into Bering Ditch. The ditch was full of water after heavy rain causing the vehicle to float until it stopped at a bridge near Richmond Avenue.  

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Diego-Martinez and her husband managed to free themselves from the vehicle, police said and she stayed on the roof while the husband went for help. Police said about 30 minutes after the crash, the husband reached the road and flagged down a passing motorist who called for help.  When the husband returned to the scene, to find Diego-Martinez and the vehicle gone, police said.  Police said the vehicle was pushed again by the storm waters.

Once the water receded, Diego-Martinez was found in Bering Ditch near the 1900 block of Bering Drive.  She was pronounced deceased by HFD paramedics.  

Police continue to investigate.