Linn, Texas –A tragic two-vehicle crash involving a Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office deputy has claimed the life of a young woman from San Antonio. Authorities have confirmed that 25-year-old Casandra Nicole Chavez Martinez was the sole fatality in the collision that occurred on Wednesday afternoon near the intersection of El Rucio Road and U.S. 281 in the Linn-San Manuel area.
The crash, which took place at approximately 4:22 p.m., has left a community in mourning and sparked an active investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deadly incident.
According to Hidalgo County Sheriff Eddie Guerra, the deputy was traveling northbound on U.S. 281 when a box truck, driven by Chavez Martinez, sideswiped the deputy’s patrol vehicle. The impact crushed the driver’s side of the unit, leaving the patrol car heavily damaged. Despite the intensity of the crash, the deputy sustained only minor injuries and was promptly transported to Doctors Hospital at Renaissance in Edinburg for evaluation and treatment.
Tragically, Casandra Nicole Chavez Martinez was pronounced dead at the scene. First responders worked urgently to extract her from the vehicle, but her injuries proved too severe. The news of her death has sent shockwaves through her hometown of San Antonio, where friends and family are grappling with the sudden and heartbreaking loss.
Casandra was described by those who knew her as a kind-hearted, hardworking, and vibrant young woman with a bright future ahead. Whether she was spending time with loved ones, working toward her goals, or simply sharing a smile with a stranger, Casandra lived with a sincerity and warmth that touched everyone around her. Her passing leaves a void that words cannot begin to fill.
As the investigation continues, the exact cause of the crash remains under review. Sheriff Guerra stated that the collision occurred during routine travel and that no pursuit or emergency call was involved at the time. Officials have not yet determined whether weather, mechanical failure, or human error contributed to the crash.
Due to the severity of the wreck and the response required, northbound traffic on U.S. 281 was diverted to FM 186 for several hours Wednesday evening as law enforcement and emergency crews worked to clear the scene and begin their investigation. Drivers in the area reported long delays, and authorities are urging the public to continue using caution when traveling through the region.
Casandra’s loved ones are now preparing to say goodbye to a daughter, sister, and friend whose life ended far too soon. Plans for her memorial services will be announced in the coming days.
As both San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley reflect on this tragedy, officials are calling for prayers for all involved — for the healing of the deputy who survived the crash, and for peace for Casandra’s grieving family.
This incident serves as a solemn reminder of how fragile life can be and how, in an instant, a routine moment can become an irreversible tragedy.
May Casandra Nicole Chavez Martinez rest in peace, and may her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her. 🕊️💔
