Driver Manuel Neri Mendoza Arrested in Clay Road Deadly Crash [Houston, TX]

Houston, TX (February 26, 2026) – The authorities arrested 37-year-old Manuel Neri Mendoza following a Clay Road deadly crash early Tuesday morning.

It was around 1 a.m. when the deadly vehicle crash happened on W Sam Houston Parkway.

Investigators determined that a 42-year-old woman lost her life in this traffic collision.

Moreover, officers said that a 3-year-old child in the backseat, who is related to the 42-year-old woman, sustained minor injuries and was rushed to an area hospital. Officers added that the child’s safety seat was tethered in three different places.

According to the investigators, the woman was attempting to drive on Clay Road when Mendoza ran a red light and struck her in the crossing. 

Afterward, Mendoza attempted to flee from the scene, but the authorities located him few yards from his vehicle

Police believe Mendoza was intoxicated.

Mendoza was later charged with murder. Record show that he also had two previous DWI charges in Harris County.

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Sweet Lawyers express sympathies to the bereaved family of the deceased. Our hearts are with you through these trying times.

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What Can Be Done Following a Deadly Crash?

Nowadays, unexpected death can happen anytime. Sadly, a person’s negligence can have devastating effects on other people.

Thus, knowing that when a person dies due to another’s negligence or misconduct, the bereaved can sue the negligent parties for the damages that they caused.

Some of the situations that could result in a wrongful death are homicide, medical malpractice, traffic accidents, and more.

Additionally, when the bereaved files for a wrongful death claim, economic and non-economic damages are taken into consideration. These can include high medical bills, loss of benefits, funeral services costs, emotional distress, loss of income, and much more.

Our litigators here at Sweet Lawyers would love to tell you more about a possible wrongful death case and how it can help you and your family.

To the loved ones of the deceased, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Reach out to us at (800) 674-7852. Our legal team would love to discuss a possible legal case concerning this deadly collision.

You can call us any time, and any day of the week. Click on this link to start talking with our legal team.