Police in El Paso confirmed that 57‑year‑old Arturo Frias Moreno was killed Wednesday afternoon after being struck by a vehicle in the Sunset Heights neighborhood. The collision occurred in the 300 block of West Rio Grande Avenue just before 5 p.m., a busy corridor that connects residential streets with downtown traffic.
Investigators said Moreno was walking in the area when a westbound Audi Q7, driven by a 31‑year‑old man, struck him. Witnesses reported seeing the SUV approach the intersection at speed before the impact. Emergency responders arrived quickly and transported Moreno to a nearby hospital, but he later died from his injuries.
The driver of the Audi remained at the scene and cooperated with officers. Preliminary findings indicate that alcohol or drugs were not immediately suspected, though detectives are continuing to review the circumstances of the crash. The vehicle was impounded for inspection as part of the ongoing investigation.
Residents of Sunset Heights expressed shock at the incident, noting that West Rio Grande Avenue has long been considered hazardous for pedestrians due to heavy traffic and limited crossing points. Community members said Moreno was well known in the area, and his death has sparked renewed calls for improved safety measures along the corridor.
Police closed the roadway for several hours as investigators documented the scene, collected evidence, and interviewed witnesses. Detectives with the El Paso Police Department’s Special Traffic Investigations unit are leading the case, and officials have not yet announced whether charges will be filed against the driver.
Moreno’s death underscores the risks faced by pedestrians in Central El Paso, where traffic density and limited infrastructure often contribute to serious accidents. As the investigation continues, his family and neighbors are left grieving the sudden loss of a man remembered for his presence in the community.