Mayor Advocates for Safer Streets After Local Student’s Death

Students crossing a street safely near a school with pedestrian safety signs.

San Antonio, October 16, 2025

News Summary

San Antonio leaders are pushing for improved pedestrian safety following the tragic death of 16-year-old Jose Flores III, a student at John Jay High School. The mayor highlighted the need for enhanced measures around schools to protect students from traffic incidents. The city is reviewing safety protocols and facilities, while the school district has deployed counselors to support the community in coping with the recent loss. Calls for action emphasize the importance of prioritizing student safety to prevent future tragedies.

San Antonio — Mayor Calls for Safer Streets After John Jay High School Student’s Death

San Antonio city leaders are urging action on pedestrian safety following the death of a local high school student. Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is advocating for safer streets following the death of a local high school student. The incident and its aftermath have prompted a city review of campus-area safety and increased support efforts at the school.

Key facts

The student, identified as 16-year-old Jose Flores III, died nearly a month after being struck by a car outside John Jay High School. San Antonio Police confirmed Jose Flores was hit by a Ford F-150 before 2 p.m. on September 16, 2025, in the 7700 block of Marbach Road. Flores was hospitalized in intensive care for almost a month before succumbing to his injuries.

The driver of the pickup truck remained at the scene of the incident and is not facing any charges. Local authorities have reported that the person driving the vehicle did not leave the scene and, after investigation to date, is not facing criminal charges in connection with the collision.

City and school response

Mayor Jones, an alumnus of John Jay High School, expressed condolences to Jose’s family and highlighted the need for pedestrian safety. In public statements, the mayor has connected the incident to broader concerns about street safety around schools and urged city departments to consider changes that could reduce risk for students walking to and from campus.

Northside Independent School District deployed a grief-response team to John Jay High School to support students and staff in coping with the loss. School district officials organized counselors and staff resources to provide immediate emotional and practical support for students and employees affected by the death.

Principal Teresa Cuellar-Hernandez referred to Jose’s death as a tragedy that has deeply affected the school community and local neighborhood. School leadership has worked with district counselors to coordinate support and communication with families in the wake of the incident.

The city’s Public Works Department is currently reviewing how to improve safety measures for students. That review will consider changes to street design, signage, crosswalks and other traffic-control measures near school zones, according to city statements.

Mayor Jones stated that the loss of Jose Flores emphasizes the importance of prioritizing street safety to prevent future tragedies. City officials say they will evaluate options and timelines for possible improvements and report back to the community.

Community response and student welfare

Community response includes a call for increased monitoring of students for signs of grief such as nightmares, anxiety, or physical complaints. Local school and mental health professionals recommend that teachers, school staff and parents watch for emotional and behavioral changes in students and direct them to available counseling services.

The sequence of events and the public response have prompted a coordinated approach that combines short-term support for students and families with longer-term consideration of physical safety improvements near schools. Officials stress the need for practical measures that address both traffic safety and student mental health after a traumatic event.

Background and next steps

The collision occurred in the area immediately outside John Jay High School, a location that city leaders and school officials have identified for closer review. The Public Works Department’s review will inform any proposed engineering or traffic control changes. Meanwhile, school district resources remain engaged on counseling and support. The driver involved in the collision remained at the scene and is not facing charges at this time.


FAQ

Who is calling for safer streets?

Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is advocating for safer streets following the death of a local high school student.

Who was the student?

The student, identified as 16-year-old Jose Flores III, died nearly a month after being struck by a car outside John Jay High School.

When and where did the collision occur?

San Antonio Police confirmed Jose Flores was hit by a Ford F-150 before 2 p.m. on September 16, 2025, in the 7700 block of Marbach Road.

What was the student’s medical outcome?

Flores was hospitalized in intensive care for almost a month before succumbing to his injuries.

What has the mayor said or done?

Mayor Jones, an alumnus of John Jay High School, expressed condolences to Jose’s family and highlighted the need for pedestrian safety.

How has the school responded?

Northside Independent School District deployed a grief-response team to John Jay High School to support students and staff in coping with the loss.

How did the principal describe the incident?

Principal Teresa Cuellar-Hernandez referred to Jose’s death as a tragedy that has deeply affected the school community and local neighborhood.

What actions is the city taking on safety?

The city’s Public Works Department is currently reviewing how to improve safety measures for students.

What is the status of the driver involved?

The driver of the pickup truck remained at the scene of the incident and is not facing any charges.

What community support is being recommended?

Community response includes a call for increased monitoring of students for signs of grief such as nightmares, anxiety, or physical complaints.

Key features

Feature Details
Mayor Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones is advocating for safer streets following the death of a local high school student.
Student The student, identified as 16-year-old Jose Flores III, died nearly a month after being struck by a car outside John Jay High School.
Location 7700 block of Marbach Road, outside John Jay High School
Date/Time Before 2 p.m. on September 16, 2025
Vehicle Ford F-150
Hospitalization Flores was hospitalized in intensive care for almost a month before succumbing to his injuries.
Driver status The driver of the pickup truck remained at the scene of the incident and is not facing any charges.
School response Northside Independent School District deployed a grief-response team to John Jay High School to support students and staff in coping with the loss.
City action The city’s Public Works Department is currently reviewing how to improve safety measures for students.

Timeline

Date/Time Event Status/Source
Before 2 p.m., September 16, 2025 Jose Flores was hit by a Ford F-150 in the 7700 block of Marbach Road. San Antonio Police confirmed
September 16, 2025 — following collision Flores was hospitalized in intensive care. Hospital reports / school officials
Nearly a month after September 16, 2025 Jose Flores died after hospitalization. Family and hospital records
After collision The driver remained at the scene and is not facing charges. San Antonio Police
Following the death Northside Independent School District deployed a grief-response team to John Jay High School. Northside Independent School District
Ongoing The city’s Public Works Department is reviewing how to improve safety measures for students. City Public Works Department

Visual: Incident and response timeline (informal)

Collision (occurrence)

Before 2 p.m. on September 16, 2025 — San Antonio Police confirmed

Hospitalization

Flores was hospitalized in intensive care for almost a month before succumbing to his injuries.

School and city response

Northside Independent School District deployed a grief-response team to John Jay High School; the city’s Public Works Department is reviewing safety measures for students.

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Additional Resources

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