Ashley Mae Nelson Obituary, Death News – A tragic hit-and-run accident in southwest Houston claimed the life of a woman early Sunday morning as she was riding her bicycle alongside her husband. Authorities are still searching for the driver responsible, who fled the scene without offering assistance.
The fatal incident occurred on April 13, 2025, at approximately 4:29 a.m., when 37-year-old Ashley Mae Nelson was struck while biking across State Highway 6 South, near the intersection of Empanada Drive. According to reports from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Nelson was traveling from east to west across the highway on her bicycle. Riding directly behind her was her husband, 33-year-old Wesley Adam Johnson.
At the time of the crash, an unidentified red sedan—believed to be either a Ford or Toyota—was driving northbound in the number one lane of State Highway 6 South. As Nelson attempted to cross the roadway, she did so outside of a designated crosswalk and failed to yield the right of way to the approaching vehicle. The sedan struck her, causing serious injuries.
Following the collision, the driver of the red sedan did not stop to provide aid or wait for emergency services to arrive. Instead, the driver fled the scene, leaving Nelson critically injured in the roadway. First responders were called to the scene shortly after the crash, and Nelson was pronounced dead at 4:38 a.m., just minutes after being struck.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office’s Vehicular Crimes Division has taken over the investigation and is working to locate the hit-and-run driver. Authorities are reviewing any available traffic and surveillance camera footage from the area and asking the public for help in identifying the vehicle involved. Investigators are also urging local auto shops to report if any red Ford or Toyota sedans come in for front-end repairs that might be consistent with a collision.
This heartbreaking event has left Nelson’s family and friends devastated. Her husband, who witnessed the crash firsthand, has not spoken publicly about the tragedy but is said to be cooperating with investigators. The couple was reportedly out for an early morning ride, something they often enjoyed doing together.
Community members in the area have expressed sadness and frustration, particularly because the driver chose to flee rather than stay and assist. Pedestrian and cyclist safety continues to be a concern in Houston, particularly on busy thoroughfares like State Highway 6, where high speeds and low visibility during early morning hours can pose serious risks.
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. Had the driver stayed, they could have rendered aid or called for help—an action that might have made a critical difference or at least demonstrated accountability.
The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the crash or who has information about the vehicle involved to contact them directly or to submit tips anonymously. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of the hit-and-run driver.
Ashley Mae Nelson is remembered by those who knew her as kind, energetic, and passionate about cycling. Her death has sparked new conversations about road safety for non-motorists in Houston, especially during non-peak hours when lighting is poor and drivers may not expect to see cyclists or pedestrians crossing busy roads.
Local advocacy groups are once again calling for improved infrastructure to protect cyclists and pedestrians. Suggestions include adding more crosswalks, improving lighting at intersections, and increasing public awareness campaigns about sharing the road responsibly.
This latest incident underscores the ongoing challenges cyclists face in urban environments, particularly in areas not designed with bicycle traffic in mind. While cyclists are expected to follow traffic laws, including yielding to vehicles and using designated crosswalks, driver awareness and responsibility play a vital role in preventing deadly encounters.
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with a senseless loss and a plea for justice. Nelson’s family is now planning her memorial, even as they hope for a resolution and accountability in her case.
Authorities are urging the driver involved to come forward voluntarily, as hit-and-run charges can carry serious legal consequences, including prison time. In the meantime, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office continues its efforts to locate the suspect and ensure that Nelson’s death does not go unanswered.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Division or call Crime Stoppers. As the search for the hit-and-run driver intensifies, Nelson’s story stands as a solemn reminder of the need for greater awareness, caution, and humanity on the road.
