Emmanuel Torres’ Death: Double Hit-and-Run Tragedy in El Paso. 34-Year-Old Emmanuel Torres Struck Twice While Crossing Alameda Avenue, Second Driver Fled Scene
El Paso, TX— Tragedy struck in El Paso’s Lower Valley on the evening of Tuesday, September 24, as 34-year-old Emmanuel Torres lost his life in a horrific accident that has left the community in shock. Torres, a resident of El Paso, was crossing Alameda Avenue when he was struck not once but twice by two separate vehicles. The first impact knocked him to the ground, and while lying injured on the road, Torres was tragically hit a second time by another vehicle. The second driver fled the scene, leaving Torres critically injured and ultimately pronounced dead by emergency responders.
This devastating incident unfolded around 7:30 p.m. in the 7200 block of Alameda Avenue, a busy stretch of road that runs through the heart of the Lower Valley. The El Paso Police Department is actively investigating the case, now classified as a hit-and-run, and they are appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the driver of the second vehicle involved. The community is grappling with the loss of a young man whose life was tragically cut short, and many are left asking how such a senseless event could have occurred on a well-traveled road in their neighborhood.
The Incident: What Happened to Emmanuel Torres?
Emmanuel Torres was attempting to cross Alameda Avenue on Tuesday night, a task that many pedestrians in the Lower Valley undertake daily, given the area’s mix of residential homes, businesses, and public transportation routes. However, what began as a routine crossing turned into a deadly tragedy.
According to eyewitness accounts and the preliminary findings of the El Paso Police Department, Torres was first hit by a pickup truck traveling along Alameda Avenue. The impact of the collision threw Torres to the ground, leaving him incapacitated in the middle of the roadway. As Torres lay on the asphalt, critically injured and unable to move, a second pickup truck approached the scene. Instead of stopping to render aid, the second vehicle ran over Torres, dealing a fatal blow, and then sped away from the scene without stopping.
Witnesses at the scene described a moment of horror as they realized what had transpired. “It was terrible. We saw the first truck hit him, and then when we saw the second truck run over him, we knew it was bad,” said a local resident who lives near the intersection and witnessed the accident. “I called 911 right away, but by the time the paramedics arrived, there was nothing they could do.”
The first driver involved in the collision remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement officials, though it is still unclear whether charges will be filed against this individual. The second driver, however, remains at large, and authorities are now conducting a full-scale search for the vehicle and its driver. The El Paso Police Department has issued a public appeal, asking anyone with information about the accident or the identity of the second driver to come forward.
The Hunt for the Hit-and-Run Driver: Police Seek Public’s Help
The El Paso Police Department is treating this case as a priority investigation, given the hit-and-run nature of the second vehicle’s involvement. As of now, the department has released limited details about the second pickup truck, though they have confirmed that the vehicle was traveling in the same direction as the first. Officers are working to review traffic cameras, CCTV footage from nearby businesses, and any available dashcam footage from other motorists to gather more information.
Lead investigator Sgt. Jose Hernandez emphasized the importance of public cooperation in bringing the hit-and-run driver to justice. “We need the community’s help to solve this case. Someone out there knows something—whether it’s the driver themselves or someone who saw what happened. We urge anyone with information to contact us immediately. It’s crucial that we locate the driver responsible for fleeing the scene and leaving Mr. Torres to die.”
Hernandez also pointed out that the second driver may face serious charges once identified. “Leaving the scene of an accident, especially one involving a fatality, is a serious crime. The driver’s failure to stop and provide aid, or at least call for help, has made this case a hit-and-run, and we will pursue the appropriate legal actions once the driver is apprehended.”
Anyone with information is urged to call the El Paso Police Department’s non-emergency number at (915) 832-4400. Additionally, individuals who prefer to remain anonymous can submit tips through Crime Stoppers of El Paso at (915) 566-TIPS (8477).
A Grim Milestone: El Paso’s 47th Traffic Fatality of the Year
The tragic death of Emmanuel Torres marks the 47th traffic-related fatality in El Paso this year, adding to a toll that has already left many families grieving. While this figure represents a decrease from the 55 fatalities recorded during the same period in 2023, it nonetheless underscores the persistent danger that motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists face on the city’s roads.
Alameda Avenue, a major thoroughfare that cuts through El Paso’s Lower Valley, has long been a hotspot for accidents, particularly those involving pedestrians. The road’s combination of high traffic volume, wide lanes, and frequent intersections creates hazardous conditions for anyone attempting to cross, especially during evening hours when visibility is reduced.
The El Paso Police Department has been working to address the city’s traffic safety issues, implementing more patrols, installing traffic calming measures, and raising public awareness about pedestrian safety. Despite these efforts, accidents like the one that claimed Torres’ life continue to occur with alarming frequency.
Public safety advocates in El Paso have renewed their calls for increased protections for pedestrians in the wake of Torres’ death. “This isn’t the first time we’ve seen something like this happen on Alameda, and it won’t be the last unless we make some changes,” said Carla Fuentes, a local activist with El Paso’s Pedestrian Safety Coalition. “We need better crosswalks, more traffic signals, and stricter enforcement of speed limits if we want to protect people like Emmanuel.”
The Impact on the Lower Valley Community
The loss of Emmanuel Torres has reverberated throughout El Paso’s Lower Valley community, where he was a familiar face and a well-liked member of the neighborhood. Torres, who worked in a local warehouse, was known for his quiet demeanor and dedication to his family. Friends and neighbors have expressed their shock and sadness over his sudden death, describing him as a hard-working man who did not deserve to meet such a tragic end.
“He was a good guy, always kept to himself, but he would help you out if you needed it,” said Maria Lopez, a neighbor who lived in the same apartment complex as Torres. “We’re all heartbroken over what happened. It’s hard to believe that someone could just hit him like that and drive away.”
As news of the accident spread, many in the Lower Valley have come together to support Torres’ family. A makeshift memorial has been set up near the intersection where the accident occurred, with flowers, candles, and handwritten notes placed by friends, family members, and community residents. Many have called for justice, demanding that the hit-and-run driver be found and held accountable for their actions.
“Emmanuel didn’t deserve this. He was just crossing the street,” said Jose Garza, a family friend. “We won’t stop until the person who did this is brought to justice.”
Pedestrian Safety in El Paso: An Ongoing Challenge
The death of Emmanuel Torres is the latest in a string of fatal accidents involving pedestrians in El Paso, highlighting an ongoing challenge that the city has been grappling with for years. According to the Texas Department of Transportation, pedestrian fatalities in the state have risen steadily over the past decade, with urban areas like El Paso bearing the brunt of this increase.
Alameda Avenue, in particular, has been the site of multiple pedestrian-involved accidents. The road, which runs through densely populated neighborhoods and commercial districts, is often used by residents as a primary route for walking to and from work, shopping centers, and public transportation stops. However, the street’s design—with wide lanes and few dedicated pedestrian crossings—has made it dangerous for those on foot.
City officials have acknowledged the need for improved pedestrian infrastructure, particularly in high-traffic areas like Alameda. “We recognize that more needs to be done to protect pedestrians in El Paso,” said city council member Ricardo Hernandez. “We’re looking at ways to improve crosswalks, install better lighting, and reduce speeds in areas where pedestrians are most at risk. Emmanuel Torres’ death is a tragic reminder of why these changes are so necessary.”
Local advocacy groups have also been vocal about the need for increased enforcement of traffic laws. Speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield to pedestrians are common issues in the city, and many believe that stricter penalties for these offenses could help reduce the number of accidents.
“We need to make drivers more aware of the consequences of their actions,” said Carla Fuentes. “Too many people are losing their lives because drivers aren’t paying attention or they’re going too fast. We have to hold people accountable before more lives are lost.”
A Call for Justice and Accountability
As the investigation into Emmanuel Torres’ death continues, the focus remains on finding the driver responsible for the hit-and-run. Police are hopeful that the public’s assistance will lead to a break in the case, but for now, Torres’ family is left mourning their loss and seeking answers.
“Whoever did this needs to come forward,” said Jose Garza. “You can’t just hit someone and drive away like they don’t matter. Emmanuel was a person, and he had a family that loved him. We need justice for him.”
In the meantime, the El Paso community continues to rally around Torres’ family, offering support as they navigate the painful process of grieving. Fundraisers have been set up to help cover funeral expenses, and local organizations are working to raise awareness about pedestrian
