Fatal Wrong-Way Rollover Crash at I-35 and I-37 Interchange Kills David Ortiz, 27, and John Rodriguez, 35, in Downtown San Antonio, Texas

Two people lost their lives in a devastating wrong-way rollover crash in the early morning hours of Thursday at the interchange of Interstate 35 and Interstate 37 in downtown San Antonio. The collision occurred at approximately 2:30 a.m. at the I-35 and I-37 interchange. According to San Antonio police, a woman was operating her vehicle in the wrong direction when she struck another vehicle head-on, triggering the rollover. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Emergency responders arrived and worked urgently to rescue the driver of the second vehicle; however, that individual also succumbed to their injuries and was declared dead at the scene. The identities of both victims have not yet been publicly released pending notification of next of kin. The investigation remains active and ongoing. San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) is leading the inquiry into the circumstances that led to the wrong-way driving, and the roadway experienced closures in the immediate aftermath to allow for emergency response and crash investigation.

Location and Infrastructure

The crash occurred at one of downtown San Antonio's most heavily trafficked and structurally complex highway interchanges — the convergence of Interstate 35 and Interstate 37. This interchange serves as a critical connector in the heart of the city, funneling traffic between major north-south and southeast corridors. The area between Interstate 10 and Interstate 37 near Pearl has been the subject of ongoing TxDOT construction activity, with alternating lane closures reported in the zone. The interchange's complexity, with multiple diverging and merging lanes, elevated ramps, and high-speed through-traffic, creates an environment where wrong-way entry — particularly during overnight hours with reduced visibility and traffic volume — poses an extreme danger. The surrounding area includes the Pearl development district, the San Antonio River Walk, and proximity to US Highway 281, making it a convergence point for both local and through traffic at all hours.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Families of victims and surviving parties involved in a fatal wrong-way crash in Texas may have significant legal rights and options available to them. Under the Texas Tort Claims Act and general negligence law, wrongful death claims may be pursued by eligible family members, including spouses, children, and parents. Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule, meaning compensation may be available even if a party bears some degree of responsibility, provided their fault does not exceed 50%. Applicable compensation may include medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, and loss of future earnings. Texas has a general two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims, meaning timely action is essential. Insurance considerations — including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage — may be critical if the at-fault driver lacked sufficient liability coverage. Parties are encouraged to preserve all documentation and consult with a licensed Texas attorney to understand their specific rights and options.

Related Resources

• San Antonio Police Department (SAPD): (210) 207-7273 | www.sanantonio.gov/SAPD
• San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD): (210) 207-8400 | www.sanantonio.gov/SAFD
• Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office: (210) 335-4030
• Texas Department of Transportation – San Antonio District (TxDOT): www.txdot.gov | (800) 558-9368
• TX511 – Real-Time Traffic Information: www.drivetexas.org
• Texas Transportation Code – Wrong-Way Driving Statutes: Texas Transportation Code Chapter 545
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) – San Antonio Chapter: www.madd.org | 1-877-623-3435
• Texas Crime Victims' Compensation Program (OAG): www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/crime-victims | 1-800-983-9933
• San Antonio Victim Advocacy Program (VAP): (210) 207-2238