Local Business Owner Supports Family After Tragic Incident

Community members gathering to support a family in need

San Antonio, August 25, 2025

News Summary

In San Antonio, a local business owner has stepped up to financially support a family following the tragic death of Jeanette Espitia, a pregnant woman. The owner covered funeral expenses and unpaid rent for her brother Jesse Espitia, who is now the sole guardian of three children. Community efforts are underway to ensure their stability and provide necessary resources amidst ongoing hardships the family faces due to multiple bereavements.

San Antonio

A local business owner has stepped in to pay for funeral expenses and cover unpaid rent for a family after the death of a pregnant woman who was struck while crossing SE Military Drive near Old Corpus Christi Road. The victim has been identified as Jeanette Espitia. Her brother, Jesse Espitia, is now the sole caregiver for three children and is facing immediate financial and childcare needs.

Key developments

The owner of two neighborhood establishments, including the venue where funeral services will be held, provided emergency financial support to cover the cost of the funeral and paid outstanding rent that had put the family at risk of eviction. Funeral arrangements for the deceased are being planned at the local event center and will be open to the public.

Immediate needs and community response

Jesse Espitia has reported sustained financial hardship following several recent family deaths and said he has been struggling to meet funeral costs in the past. He has no other available relatives to assist with the care of the three children and lacks the financial capacity and childcare support necessary to raise them alone. Community assistance efforts are being organized to help with housing stability, childcare, transportation and day-to-day expenses.

Actions taken by local business owner

The business owner covered the funeral costs for Jeanette and paid the unpaid rent for Jesse and the children, preventing an immediate eviction. The owner has also reached out to other local business owners to solicit further assistance, including purchasing a vehicle for Jesse to improve his ability to manage work and childcare responsibilities. The event center will host public funeral services once plans are finalized.

Support being coordinated

Community organizers and the business owner are facilitating opportunities for donations and in-kind support. A donation channel has been set up to collect funds for Jesse’s immediate needs and ongoing care for the children. Organizers are seeking contributions focused on housing stability, childcare services, transportation, and basic living expenses.

Background and context

The family’s difficulties follow a string of recent bereavements within the household over the past three years due to different medical conditions. Those losses contributed to a fragile financial situation that left the household especially vulnerable after the recent fatal incident. Local businesses and community members have responded with targeted support intended to prevent homelessness and stabilize the family’s immediate circumstances.

What to expect next

Funeral service details will be announced when plans are finalized by the event center. The business owner is continuing outreach to solicit further help from other owners and community members. Organizers expect to provide updates on specific needs — including childcare, housing, transportation and long-term financial support — as assistance commitments are confirmed.

FAQ

Who was the deceased and where did the incident occur?

The deceased is identified as Jeanette Espitia, who died while crossing SE Military Drive near Old Corpus Christi Road in San Antonio.

Who is caring for the children now?

Jeanette’s brother, Jesse Espitia, is the current caregiver for the family’s three children and has no other family members available to assist.

What immediate aid has been provided?

A local business owner paid for the funeral expenses and covered the family’s unpaid rent to prevent eviction, and is coordinating additional community support efforts.

Where will the funeral services be held?

Funeral services are planned to be open to the public at the Pica Pica Event Center; final scheduling details are pending.

How can community members help?

Community members are being asked to provide donations and in-kind support for housing, childcare, transportation and living expenses. A donation channel has been established by organizers to facilitate assistance.

Key features at a glance

Feature Details
Location of incident SE Military Drive near Old Corpus Christi Road, San Antonio
Deceased Jeanette Espitia (pregnant at time of death)
Immediate caregiver Brother, Jesse Espitia (caring for three children)
Business owner action Paid funeral costs, covered unpaid rent, coordinating further community support
Funeral location Public services planned at Pica Pica Event Center
Primary needs Housing stability, childcare, transportation, ongoing financial support

Timeline

Date / Time Event Status / Source
Recent, unspecified Pedestrian fatality involving a pregnant woman while crossing SE Military Drive Reported by community and local business owner
Following the incident Business owner agreed to pay for funeral arrangements Confirmed by event center management
Following the incident Unpaid rent for the family was paid to prevent eviction Action taken by the business owner
Ongoing Community assistance and donations being coordinated Organizers facilitating support
Upcoming (date pending) Funeral services at local event center, open to the public Event center to confirm schedule

Support needs — simple visual chart

Distribution of current assistance priorities (illustrative):

Funeral costs

40%

Housing / Rent

30%

Childcare

20%

Transportation

10%

Community members seeking to assist are advised to contact the event center or the organizers coordinating relief efforts for updated needs and verified methods to provide support.

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Additional Resources

STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
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.

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