The El Paso community is mourning another loss on its roads, with the death of an 85-year-old man following a car accident that took place in August. Richard Carlton Wilson, who was involved in the collision on the 5200 block of Woodrow Bean, has died from injuries sustained in the crash, making this the 48th traffic fatality in El Paso this year.
According to the City of El Paso, by the El Paso Police Department, the incident occurred on August 17, when Wilson's 2021 Nissan Sentra failed to control speed, and collided with a 2012 Dodge Durango, operated by Emmanuel Mendoza, that was stopped at a red light. While initial conditions saw Wilson in a stable state, despite life-threatening injuries, his condition worsened over time, leading to his death on September 27.
The collision, occurring at around 9:13 PM on Woodrow Bean, near the intersection with Rushing, resulted in minor injuries to Mendoza and his front passenger. Two children in the rear seats of Mendoza's vehicle were also examined at a local hospital and were found to be unharmed. Authorities found that speed, and alcohol on the part of Wilson, were contributing factors in this accident.
This latest fatality brings the city's traffic death toll to three fewer than what it was at the same time, last year, showcasing a small yet grim improvement in El Paso's traffic safety. The local community and the authorities continue to urge drivers to adhere to traffic laws, to operate vehicles responsibly, and to understand the potential severe consequences of driving under the influence.
