San Antonio, August 1, 2025
News Summary
A tragic incident in San Antonio resulted in the death of 40-year-old Alex Quintanilla, who was electrocuted while assisting a neighbor with tree trimming. The accident occurred when Quintanilla accidentally struck a high-voltage power line. First responders pronounced him dead at the scene, highlighting the dangers of untrained individuals performing work near electrical lines. Quintanilla is survived by his wife and numerous children and grandchildren. A GoFundMe has been set up to support his family during this difficult time.
San Antonio – A tragic incident occurred Wednesday morning when 40-year-old Alex Quintanilla lost his life due to electrocution while helping a neighbor with tree trimming. The accident took place around 8 a.m. on the 800 block of South San Dario Avenue.
Quintanilla was using a pole saw to trim branches when he accidentally struck a high-voltage power line, resulting in immediate electrocution. His wife, Monica Alonzo, was at home a few houses down and was unaware of the incident until she heard the commotion. Alonzo rushed to the scene in an attempt to save her husband but found that the power line was obscured by branches, making it difficult for Quintanilla to see and avoid it.
First responders arrived shortly thereafter but pronounced Quintanilla dead at the scene. The San Antonio Fire Department’s safety crews had to remove him from the tree after CPS Energy de-energized the power line to ensure safety for all involved. Quintanilla was known to be a handyman, not a professional tree trimmer, and was simply assisting a neighbor when the tragedy occurred.
The following day, tree trimming crews were observed working on South San Dario Avenue, a development that frustrated Alonzo. She questioned why the trimming had not begun sooner and noted that the situation was one that could have potentially saved her husband’s life. Quintanilla is survived by seven children and ten grandchildren, emphasizing the loss felt by his family and community.
In light of this tragedy, Quintanilla’s church has established a GoFundMe page to raise funds for his funeral expenses and to provide support for his grieving family. His last wish was to have his ashes returned to Honduras, a request that has now become a burden for Alonzo as she navigates the aftermath of her husband’s unexpected death.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office has classified Quintanilla’s death as an accident. In response to the incident, CPS Energy has reiterated the importance of hiring professional tree trimmers for jobs near high-voltage power lines. The utility encourages customers to reach out for assistance with tree trimming to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Community Impact
This incident underscores the dangers associated with tree trimming near power lines, a concern emphasized by CPS Energy. Safety measures and awareness are critical aspects of preventing accidents like this in the future, particularly as community members assist one another in home improvement tasks.
FAQs
What caused the electrocution of Alex Quintanilla?
Alex Quintanilla was using a pole saw to trim a tree when he accidentally struck a power line, resulting in electrocution.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident took place on South San Dario Avenue in San Antonio.
What action did CPS Energy recommend after the incident?
CPS Energy advised that only professionals should trim trees near high-voltage power lines and encouraged customers to request utility assistance for such jobs.
What is the status of the investigation into Quintanilla’s death?
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office has ruled Quintanilla’s death as an accident.
What support is being provided to Quintanilla’s family?
A GoFundMe page has been established by his church to help with funeral costs and support for the family.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Incident | Wednesday morning, around 8 a.m. |
| Location | 800 block of South San Dario Avenue, San Antonio |
| Victim’s Age | 40 years old |
| Number of Survivors | Seven children and ten grandchildren |
| Classification of Death | Accident |
| Organizational Response | CPS Energy recommends professional assistance for tree trimming near power lines. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Fox San Antonio
- Wikipedia: Electrocution
- Express News
- Google Search: Tree Trimming Accidents
- News4 San Antonio
- Google Scholar: Electrical Safety Measures
- KSAT
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tree Trimming Safety
- MSN News
- Google News: Electrocution Incidents Tree Trimmers
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
