Cyclist Ashley Mae Nelson obituary, death :Tragedy on Houston Roads: 37-Year-Old Cyclist Ashley Mae Nelson Fatally Struck in Hit-and-Run on State Highway 6 South
A devastating hit-and-run accident occurred on April 13, 2025, at approximately 4:29 a.m. in southwest Houston, claiming the life of 37-year-old Ashley Mae Nelson. Nelson was riding her bicycle alongside her husband, Wesley Adam Johnson, when she was struck by a red sedan while crossing State Highway 6 South near Empanada Drive.
The Incident
According to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Nelson was traveling from east to west across the highway outside of a designated crosswalk and failed to yield the right of way to the approaching vehicle. The driver of the red sedan, believed to be either a Ford or Toyota, fled the scene without offering assistance, leaving Nelson critically injured in the roadway. First responders pronounced Nelson dead at 4:38 a.m., just minutes after the crash.
Investigation
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office’s Vehicular Crimes Division is leading the investigation and is working to locate the hit-and-run driver. Authorities are reviewing traffic and surveillance camera footage, asking the public for help in identifying the vehicle involved, and urging local auto shops to report any red Ford or Toyota sedans coming in for front-end repairs consistent with a collision.
Community Reaction
The incident has left Nelson’s family and friends devastated, with her husband, who witnessed the crash, cooperating with investigators. The community has expressed sadness and frustration, particularly because the driver chose to flee rather than stay and assist. Pedestrian and cyclist safety concerns have been raised, especially on busy thoroughfares like State Highway 6, where high speeds and low visibility during early morning hours can pose serious risks.
Road Safety Concerns
While police acknowledge that Nelson crossed the highway outside of a crosswalk and failed to yield to traffic, they emphasize that fleeing the scene of an accident involving injury or death is a felony in Texas. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges cyclists face in urban environments and the need for improved infrastructure to protect cyclists and pedestrians.
Next Steps
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone with information about the vehicle involved to contact them directly or submit tips anonymously. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the hit-and-run driver. Local advocacy groups are calling for improved infrastructure, including more crosswalks, better lighting, and public awareness campaigns about sharing the road responsibly.
Conclusion
Ashley Mae Nelson is remembered as kind, energetic, and passionate about cycling. Her death has sparked new conversations about road safety for non-motorists in Houston. As the investigation continues, the community waits for answers and justice for Nelson and her family. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of driver awareness and responsibility in preventing deadly encounters.
