Angel Gamino Passes Away and Unnamed Second Driver Critically Hurt in Single-Vehicle Rollover on Highway 90; Houston Police Launch Comprehensive Investigation
HOUSTON — June 6, 2025 — A serious crash on westbound U.S. Highway 90 near Mercury Drive around 8:05 p.m. Friday evening resulted in the tragic passing of 22-year-old Angel Gamino and left another driver in critical condition. Houston Police vehicular-crimes investigators report that Gamino’s silver GMC Yukon drifted across the roadway, plunged into a roadside ditch, and overturned near a wooded embankment (houstontx.gov).
1. Sequence of Events: Evening Turned Fatal
According to Houston Police Department records, Angel Gamino was driving west on Highway 90 just after 8 p.m. when, for reasons still undetermined, his SUV veered off the paved shoulder to the right. The vehicle entered a roughly three-foot ditch and flipped onto its side before settling near a line of trees (houstontx.gov).
Shortly after the crash, emergency calls brought Houston Fire Department units and paramedics to the scene. They found the Yukon on its side, revealing Angel still in the driver’s seat and unresponsive. Paramedics quickly confirmed his death on site. Officials report a second individual—possibly another driver or passenger—was pulled from the SUV and rushed to a nearby level-1 trauma center, where they remain in critical but stable condition .
2. Victim Profiles
Angel Gamino, 22
Angel was well known in his community for his enthusiastic spirit and generosity. A native of Houston, he recently graduated from a vocational college and was building his career in automotive services. Friends recall him as someone always ready to lend a hand, planning to further his automotive certification this fall. His sudden passing has deeply affected family and friends, with many paying tribute to his compassion and bright outlook .
Unnamed Second Driver
The second person involved remains hospitalized after being extracted from the wreckage. Houston Police have not released their identity but emphasize the gravity of their condition and that they remain under critical care.
3. Crash Scene Observations
Houston Police Vehicular Crimes investigators, led by Sergeant J. Richards and Officer T. Smith, analyzed the scene immediately after the crash. Key observations included:
- The Yukon showed no evidence of braking or evasive maneuvers before it left the roadway.
- The ditch’s soft soil may have facilitated the vehicle’s rollover.
- The SUV ended against trees, indicating a high-impact collision.
- Photographers documented the area, skid marks, and debris to support further reconstruction.
Investigators are reviewing potential causes—from speed and mechanical failure to road conditions. Toxicology and mechanical inspections of braking and steering systems are currently underway (houstontx.gov).
4. Police Investigation Underway
HPD’s Vehicular Crimes Division has taken the lead, and as of the latest update:
- Multiple eyewitnesses have been interviewed, including neighbors and motorists.
- Vehicle fragments and skid marks have been cataloged as evidence.
- Specialists are testing components like brakes, steering, and tire tread.
- An autopsy and full toxicology report are expected within the next two weeks.
Public Information Officer Maria Hernandez stated:
“Our goal is a complete and accurate reconstruction of the events that led to this loss,” Hernandez affirmed. “We owe nothing less to Angel’s family and the broader Houston community.”
5. Community Response and Support Initiatives
Angel’s sudden departure has had a profound impact:
- His family shared a heartfelt message: “Angel brought light wherever he went. We are heartbroken but will honor his memory.”
- A community-led fundraiser on social media has raised more than $17,000 in support of funeral costs and medical care for the injured survivor.
- Co-workers at a local auto shop arranged a tribute board filled with photos and kind words about Angel’s character.
- Neighbors recalled hearing a loud crash:
“I heard the rumble and ran outside. It shook the entire block,” said a nearby resident. “I saw the SUV tipped over and rushed to help.”
6. Safety Enhancements Considered
Officials have flagged that the Mercury Drive area has seen multiple similar crashes. The mayor’s office is reviewing HPD’s findings to determine improvements such as:
- Reflective lane markers and enhanced roadway signage.
- Guardrails along embankments.
- Improved lighting in identified hazardous areas.
- Deployment of speed monitoring systems.
Public Works plans to convene a highway safety task force this month to prioritize and implement these upgrades.
7. Broader Traffic Safety Implications
Traffic safety organizations are using this event to highlight systemic concerns, calling for:
- Increased counseling and psychological support for crash survivors and witnesses.
- Safety campaigns tailored to vocational communities, like the one Angel planned to join.
- Community-based memorials and awareness events at high-risk intersections.
8. Ongoing and Next Steps in the Investigation
HPD continues with:
- Complete forensic analysis of mechanical systems.
- Analysis of toxicology and autopsy findings.
- Finalization of crash reconstruction, including speed estimations and trajectory mapping.
- Evaluation of possible contributing factors such as stray animals or debris.
- Recommendations to the Texas Department of Transportation if infrastructure failure is identified .
Sergeant Richards reassured:
“This is a detailed and careful investigation, and we will not rest until every question is answered.”
9. Public Assistance Request
Police are appealing to anyone with information—such as dashcam or security footage—to come forward. Calls can be made to:
- HPD Vehicular Crimes Division: 713‑247‑4404
- HPD online portal for anonymous submissions.
10. Reflection and Tribute
This incident offers a stark reminder of how quickly life can shift. It reinforces the need for both systemic roadway safety and community solidarity. Angel Gamino’s compassionate spirit and emerging career continue to inspire those who knew him. As Houston grapples with the aftermath, his legacy becomes a catalyst for safety, advocacy, and remembrance.
Quick Facts
| Date & Time | Friday, June 6, 2025 — ~8:05 p.m. |
|---|---|
| Location | Westbound U.S. Highway 90, near Mercury Drive exit, Houston |
| Vehicle | Silver GMC Yukon, overturned in roadside ditch |
| Victims | Angel Gamino (22) — died at scene; Unnamed driver — hospitalized in critical condition |
| Responders | HPD Vehicular Crimes Division, Houston Fire Department |
| Investigation | Underway: mechanical tests, witness statements, crash reconstruction |
| Community | Fundraising, tribute posts, support networks established |
| Contact Info | Call 713‑247‑4404 or use HPD’s portal to share evidence or info |
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