Driver Killed While Checking Her Disabled Vehicle On Bush Turnpike
PLANO, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) — Anthony Ysasaga never imagined that he'd write his daughter's obituary: and yet, here he is.
"I feel a little lost right now," said Ysasaga from his home in Frisco, while wiping away tears. His 28-year-old daughter, Amanda Ysasaga, died Sunday night in a crash on the President George Bush Turnpike in Plano.
According to Texas DPS Troopers investigating the crash, Ysasaga's car became disabled in the middle lane and she was struck and killed by another motorist.
She was apparently trying to make it to the shoulder, but her father can't imagine why:
"I tell people: if you're ever broken down, stay in your car. At least you're protected by steel and aluminum and iron. The car she was in, the car was hit from behind and the cab was still intact."
A spokesperson for AAA shared that the agency stops short of telling motorists to always stay in the vehicle-- instead, encouraging drivers to assess each situation. While it is most often the safest place, there are situations-- a gas leak for example-- where a stranded motorist may be safer away from the vehicle.
It is always a good idea, they say, to turn on flashers and raise the hood to make it easier for other drivers to spot the disabled vehicle.
Ysasaga says he has reviewed video of the crash aftermath and says the driver in the other vehicle stopped and appeared to be extremely distraught as well.
"It looks like just a tragic accident, " says the grief-stricken father who describes his daughter as, "thoughtful, caring, just overall, a very sweet kid."
Ysasaga says she loved helping others and he could no longer hold back the tears as he shared that she had been hit and killed while helping a friend move. And yet, he is determined that her death help someone else return home safely if car trouble strikes.
Amanda Ysasaga was also an organ donor-- and her dad hopes that someone will hear and listen to his message born of loss.
"If you can't get off the road, stay in the car," insists Ysasaga. "You have the best chances of surviving if you stay in your car. I hope that her death will mean something if we can save one life."