SAN ANTONIO — A man driving through San Antonio for the eclipse was tragically killed after his RV broke down on the side of a highway Sunday night.
San Antonio Police said it happened on 1-10 near Dietrich Road. Police said a commercial truck struck the victim who has been identified as 30-year-old Trevor Tardy of Bremerton, Washington.
Investigators initially reported Tardy was chasing after his dogs when he was hit but a witness told KENS 5, that was not the case.
Jose De La Cruz said he is a mechanic, so he pulled over to help Tardy when he saw he was broken down.
He said they talked for a few minutes and that is when he learned the RV's battery had died. He said Tardy’s girlfriend walked to a gas station for help. De La Cruz said he offered him a ride to meet up with his girlfriend.
“I told him I could help him out,” De La Cruz said.
De La Cruz said Tardy started to walk to put up his dogs in his RV. When he got to the RV, that is when De La Cruz said he was struck.
“I turn around to open the door of the car and I heard something, bam,” De La Cruz said.
His wife and kids were in the car and saw everything.
“They were scared, like they were screaming, 'help him help,' but I couldn’t,” De La Cruz said. ”Traffic was heavy.”
He said his kids immediately started praying for the victim. His wife also called 911.
“I wish I could’ve done more,” He said.
Tardy died at the scene. Police said the driver of the commercial truck stopped and rendered aid.
The two dogs, Charlotte and Bean, were taken by Animal Care Services. Bean was seriously hurt and is being treated by ACS. Charlotte was reunited with the next of kin.
De La Cruz said he can’t stop thinking about the horrific moment and is praying for the victim's family.
“Maybe it could’ve been both of us that night because I was going to go to his truck in that moment,” He said.