Gloria Castro Obituary, Death – Authorities have released new details surrounding a tragic wrong-way collision that occurred near downtown San Antonio, identifying the woman who lost her life as 50-year-old Gloria Castro, according to the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The incident happened shortly before 11:45 p.m. on October 19 along Interstate 35 northbound, near the North St. Mary’s Street exit, according to the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD). The crash involved two vehicles and resulted in one fatality and one person sustaining critical injuries.
Investigators reported that the driver of a Chevy Silverado, identified as 42-year-old Carlos Guerra, was traveling southbound in the northbound lanes of I-35 when the collision occurred. Preliminary reports from SAPD indicate that Guerra’s vehicle collided head-on with a Chevy Express van carrying two occupants. The force of the impact caused significant damage to both vehicles.
Responding officers and emergency personnel arrived swiftly at the scene. Sadly, Gloria Castro, who was a passenger in the Express van, was pronounced deceased at the location. The driver of the van, a 50-year-old man, was transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Authorities have not yet provided an update on his current status.
Before the collision, a Bexar County Sheriff’s deputy had reportedly observed Guerra’s vehicle traveling in the wrong direction and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Despite the deputy’s efforts, Guerra’s vehicle did not stop, and moments later the collision occurred.
Police stated that Guerra was taken into custody at the scene. He now faces charges related to intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault, according to SAPD. Court documents show that a Bexar County judge later set Guerra’s bond at a combined total of $350,000. Records confirm that he has since been released on bond and is currently awaiting indictment as the case proceeds through the judicial process.
Authorities have not yet shared additional information regarding the factors that may have contributed to the crash, but investigators continue to analyze evidence from the scene, including witness statements and vehicle data. Toxicology results are pending and expected to play a key role in the final findings.
The San Antonio Police Department’s Traffic Investigation Division and the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office are both involved in reviewing the case. Officials emphasized that wrong-way crashes are among the most severe types of roadway incidents because they often occur at high speeds, leaving little time for drivers to react.
In light of this tragedy, local law enforcement and road safety advocates are once again reminding drivers of the importance of staying alert and avoiding impaired or distracted driving. Authorities note that wrong-way incidents, though rare, tend to have devastating consequences and underscore the importance of responsible decisions behind the wheel.
As the community mourns the loss of Gloria Castro, condolences have poured in for her family and loved ones. Police say they are continuing to provide updates to those affected by the collision as the investigation unfolds.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has also been reviewing potential safety measures for wrong-way driving incidents in high-traffic areas, including I-35. This includes the use of improved signage, road sensors, and early alert systems to notify drivers and law enforcement when vehicles travel in the wrong direction.
For now, the investigation into the October 19 crash remains active. Law enforcement officials are urging anyone who may have witnessed the event or observed Guerra’s vehicle prior to the collision to come forward.
This heartbreaking case serves as a solemn reminder of how one moment of impaired or reckless driving can lead to irreversible consequences, affecting multiple families and the broader community. Authorities continue working to ensure accountability while striving to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
