HOUSTON – Houston police are still trying to determine what caused the driver of a shuttle bus to lose control of the vehicle and crash into a woman standing on the corner of an intersection near the Texas Medical Center.
Investigators identified Carlet Michelle Blake, 43, as the woman who died in Wednesday's accident at Holcombe and South Braeswood.
Police also identified Henry James Foots, 54, as the driver of the shuttle bus involved in the crash.
Detectives said Foots lost control near the intersection and crashed into an SUV before continuing on and hitting Blake as she stood on the corner.
Eleven passengers on the bus were also transported to the hospital, but Houston Fire Department officials said none of the injuries appeared life-threatening.
Police said Foots may have suffered some type of "medical episode" before losing control of the vehicle. Witnesses to the accident said it appeared Foots may have passed out just before the crash. Witnesses said a passenger on the bus tried to steer the bus out of harm's way. Investigators said they have not yet determined the exact nature of any possible medical problem Foots may have suffered. A woman who answered the door at an address listed for Foots said he was not home.
The bus involved in the accident is owned and operated by SLL Transportation and was contracted by Harris Health System for shuttle services in the Texas Medical Center. A check of federal and state records show SLL has no record of complaints with the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles and no reported accidents within the last two years. Calls placed to SLL by Local 2 were not returned.
A statement from Harris Health System to Local 2 reads, "Harris Health System expresses our deepest sympathy to the friends and family of the woman who lost her life in last night's accident, as well as concern for our injured employees. The van was operated by SLL Transportation, LLC, which is contracted to the health system to provide shuttle service for employees. The accident is under investigation by Houston Police Department."