Man killed in wrong-way crash had plans to marry, relative says

Johnny Hernandez, 34, dies in crash near I-35 and Walzem

SAN ANTONIO – Johnny Hernandez, 34, one of two men killed Sunday night in a wrong-way crash on the Interstate 35 access road near Walzem Road, had plans to get married next year, according to the mother of his 28-year-old fianceé.

Debra Salama described Hernandez as a good family man who worked hard. She said that in addition to working a regular job, he also served as a reservist with the U.S. Army.

Salama said Hernandez was driving in his car with her 28-year-old daughter and her two granddaughters, ages 8 months and 11 years old, when their car was hit head-on by a minivan. She said she believes the family had stopped for a bite to eat in the area and was heading to her home nearby for a visit.

Police identified the driver of the van as Steven Long, 54. He also died at the scene.

The crash is still under investigation, but police said it appeared that Long was driving the wrong way on the access road, heading south in the northbound lanes, when his van slammed into Hernandez’s car.

All three of the passengers in Hernandez’s car suffered serious injuries and were taken to University Hospital for treatment. Salama said her daughter and grandchildren were still in the hospital as of Monday morning.


About the Author:

Katrina Webber joined KSAT 12 in December 2009. She reports for Good Morning San Antonio. Katrina was born and raised in Queens, NY, but after living in Gulf Coast states for the past decade, she feels right at home in Texas. It's not unusual to find her singing karaoke or leading a song with her church choir when she's not on-air.