A tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, near Crockett Elementary School in Wichita Falls, Texas, resulting in the death of 70-year-old Mary Perez. The devoted grandmother was en route to pick up her grandchild when she became pinned between two vehicles in the school’s pickup line.
The accident occurred around 3:50 p.m. in the 1900 block of Arthur Street, at the intersection with Seymour Road, a busy area during dismissal hours filled with parents and guardians waiting to collect students.
Mary Perez was crossing the street toward the school when she stepped between two stationary vehicles in the pickup line. As the line began to move slowly forward, the driver of a black Hyundai Santa Fe applied the brakes to stop. Unfortunately, her foot slipped from the brake pedal onto the accelerator, causing the vehicle to surge unexpectedly and pin Perez against the gray Hyundai Santa Fe directly ahead.
The sudden acceleration not only trapped Perez briefly between the two SUVs but also propelled the gray Santa Fe forward into a blue Honda Odyssey in front of it. Witnesses described a chaotic moment as the pickup line, typically a routine and cautious process, turned hazardous in an instant. The brief but forceful pinning inflicted severe injuries on Perez, highlighting the vulnerability of pedestrians in congested school zones.
Emergency responders from the Wichita Falls Police Department and medical services arrived promptly at the scene. Paramedics extricated Perez and transported her immediately to a nearby hospital for urgent care. Despite the rapid response and medical efforts, she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, underscoring the severity of the trauma sustained in the incident.
The drivers involved, including the woman whose foot slipped and others in the affected vehicles, sustained only minor injuries and did not require extensive treatment. Authorities have stated that no impairment or reckless behavior appears to have contributed, attributing the event to an unfortunate pedal error. The Wichita Falls Police Department continues its investigation to determine all factors, though no charges have been indicated at this stage.
Mary Perez lived a life enriched by family bonds and the everyday joys of supporting her loved ones, particularly in her role as a loving grandmother. Her presence in the school pickup line reflected a commitment to those closest to her, and her sudden passing serves as a poignant reminder of life’s fragility.