The mother of two Lake Highlands students was killed Friday morning while crossing Central Expressway on foot. Police say they still aren’t sure why Trekessa Gordon-Matthews opted to run across the highway just north of Park Boulevard in Plano instead of crossing under the overpass a few hundred yards away.

The alleged hit-and-run driver, 31-year-old Carlos Alberto Cruz-Lobo, was found and arrested a short distance away. He had stopped his pickup truck to use a pay phone, though he did not opt to call police or medical help. The accident shut down the highway for almost two hours.

Sign up for our newsletter!

* indicates required

Non-profit group Family Shadetree is collecting donations to aid Trekessa’s husband Tommy and two children, one a fifth grader at White Rock Elementary and one a tenth grader at Lake Highlands High. Faith-based Family Shadetree often steps in to help families in crisis, providing short-term assistance when circumstances threaten a student’s stability or educational well-being. You can learn more and/or make a donation at their website here.

Author

  • Carol Toler

    Blogger CAROL TOLER and her husband, Toby, are the parents of four LHHS graduates. She has an MBA from SMU and is the proud recipient of the Exchange Club of LH's Unsung Hero Award and Councilman McGough's Blake Anderson Public Service Award. She received LHHS PTA's Extended Service Award, FMJH PTA's Charger Award and a Life Membership from the LHFC PTA. She has moderated candidate debates for Dallas Mayor, Dallas City Council and RISD Trustee races and taught seminars on garnering publicity for nonprofits. She completed training with Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation and Inside RISD, and she's a sustaining member of LH Women's League. She has served on the boards of After8 to Educate, Dallas Free Press, Healing Hands Ministries and Camp Sweeney and chaired fundraisers for multiple Dallas nonprofits. Email ctoler@advocatemag.com.