A San Antonio family is mourning the loss of 17-year-old Moncerrat “Monce” Martinez Maldonado, who was fatally struck by a vehicle while walking home from work just minutes away from her house.

According to investigators, Monce had just finished her shift at an El Pollo Loco restaurant on Sunday evening and was walking home—a trip that normally took about seven minutes.

Police allege that a Dodge Charger was racing another vehicle at a high rate of speed when the driver changed lanes and struck Monce as she was crossing the street.

Emergency responders arrived at the scene, but despite their efforts, Monce died from her injuries.

Authorities have arrested a 19-year-old in connection with the crash. The suspect has been charged with racing causing serious bodily injury or death. The charge is an allegation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

For Monce’s family, the tragedy is especially difficult because she was so close to home when the crash occurred.

Her mother, Sandra, said she is still struggling to accept the loss of her youngest daughter.

“I can’t with this pain. I still want to believe that it’s not my daughter,” she said.
Monce’s sister, Alexyza, shared her own heartbreak, recalling that Monce often asked for a ride home after work.

“Why didn’t you tell me to pick you up?” she said, reflecting on the question that has remained with her since the tragedy.
Monce was the youngest of three siblings and was only a few months away from her 18th birthday.

According to her family, she was hardworking, caring, and determined to build a future for herself. She dreamed of becoming a nurse, and her mother said they had already begun preparing for that next chapter by shopping for nursing uniforms together.

Instead of celebrating those milestones, her loved ones are now preparing to say goodbye.

Friends and family remember Monce as a young woman with compᴀssion, ambition, and a bright future ahead of her.

The crash has also renewed concerns about the dangers of illegal street racing. Authorities continue to warn that racing on public roads places not only drivers at risk but also pedestrians, pᴀssengers, and other innocent road users.

As the criminal case moves forward, Monce’s family is asking for prayers and support as they grieve the loss of a daughter, sister, coworker, and friend whose life was cut tragically short.

Her death serves as a heartbreaking reminder of how reckless driving can have devastating and irreversible consequences for families and communities alike.