A 68-year-old El Paso man died Thursday night after a late-night crash on North Mesa Street in West El Paso, just steps from the University of Texas at El Paso and a busy McDonald's. Authorities identified him as Ismael Botelo, who was struck while crossing the street and later died at a hospital.
Police said Botelo was crossing outside a marked crosswalk when he was hit by a car traveling on North Mesa.
According to KFOX14, the vehicle involved was a 2024 Mitsubishi Mirage, and the crash happened on the 2400 block of N. Mesa Street. The El Paso Police Department told the station that Botelo succumbed to injuries sustained in the collision. KFOX14 also reports police numbers showing this was the city's 17th traffic death of 2026, compared with 21 at the same point last year.
Investigation underway
El Paso's Special Traffic Investigations unit responded after police received a call about the collision at 11:01 p.m., as reported by KTSM. The initial notification did not share further details about the driver, and investigators said more information would be released when available.
Where it happened
The crash unfolded on the 2400 block of North Mesa, near the McDonald's by UTEP, a heavily traveled stretch that runs past campus, restaurants, and other local businesses. As of publication time, there were no public statements from university officials or from Botelo's family.
What to expect next
Investigators are reviewing the scene and available evidence to sort out key factors such as visibility, speed, and any other conditions that may have played a role. Police said they will provide updates as the Special Traffic unit's work moves forward and more details are confirmed.
