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Family of motorcyclist killed in hit-and-run crash desperate for justice

Mariano Lugo was driving the right-of-way on his way home when he was killed by a driver who ran a red light

San Antonio – A San Antonio man is being remembered as a loving father, husband and motorcyclist after he was killed in a fatal crash involving a suspect still at large.

Mariano Lugo, 30, died while on his way home Sunday morning around 2:00 a.m.

Esperanza Lugo, his aunt, shared the best memories she had of her nephew.

“He was very special,” she said. “He was loved by everybody, including his family, friends and his bike club.”

She said the part of him she will miss the most is his big smile.

“He was always happy,” Esperanza said as she got emotional. “He was just an amazing person. Amazing. He would go out of his way to make sure he helped us with whatever we needed.”

San Antonio police said Mariano was driving his Suzuki through a green light at the intersection of Southcross Blvd and I-35 when a Honda Accord ran a red light, causing him to crash into the driver’s side of the car.

Mariano Lugo was ejected before the suspect who caused the crash ran off on foot.

“I am hoping with their conscience they realize what they did,” Esperanza said. “It is just so sad for them to just take off and leave somebody there. It is just tragic. Very tragic. We are going to find out and catch them. We are going to find out who they are. I just don’t know why they would just take off. After what happened to him. He was separated into three parts. It is just terrible.”

She said Mariano was a part of the Blox Starz and he loved giving back to his community.

He leaves behind his parents, several siblings, his wife and four children.

“It is sad,” she said. “The mom and dad are not doing well. Especially the mom. She is very, very hurt. His kids were so attached to him. His son hasn’t stopped crying.”

At this time, the suspect is still at large but if caught, they will face a charge of failure to stop and render aid causing death.

The family hopes anyone with any information will call police.

In the meantime, Mariano’s motorcycle club is planning a candlelight vigil at the site of the crash Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

The vigil will be open to the public.


About the Authors
Japhanie Gray headshot

Japhanie Gray is an anchor on Good Morning San Antonio and Good Morning San Antonio at 9 a.m. The award-winning journalist rejoined KSAT in August 2024 after previously working as a reporter on KSAT's Nightbeat from 2018 to 2021. She also highlights extraordinary stories in her series, What's Up South Texas.

Adam Barraza headshot

Adam Barraza is a photojournalist at KSAT 12 and an El Paso native. He interned at KVIA, the local ABC affiliate, while still in high school. He then moved to San Antonio and, after earning a degree from San Antonio College and the University of the Incarnate Word, started working in news. He’s also a diehard Dodgers fan and an avid sneakerhead.

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