The Dallas-Fort Worth comedy community is grieving the tragic loss of 29-year-old Henry Cruz, who was killed in a fatal hit-and-run accident early Saturday morning near downtown Dallas. The incident occurred around 2:15 a.m. on Saturday at the intersection of Elm Street and the I-345 ramp, where Cruz was walking with friends after performing his final stand-up set at Shark's Comedy Club. According to witness accounts, Cruz and his companions were crossing the street when a vehicle traveling at approximately 60-70 mph came barreling down the freeway exit ramp. The vehicle veered toward the group, jumped the curb onto the grass where they had reached safety, and struck Cruz, sending him flying through the air before he hit a barrier. Despite immediate 911 calls and attempts at resuscitation by his friends, Cruz succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Dallas Police report that no one stopped to render aid, and the case remains under active investigation as authorities search for the hit-and-run driver.

Location and Infrastructure

The fatal collision occurred at the intersection of Elm Street and the I-345 ramp, a critical junction connecting downtown Dallas to the Deep Ellum entertainment district. This area experiences heavy pedestrian traffic, particularly during weekend nighttime hours when patrons move between venues in the popular entertainment corridor. The I-345 ramp system, part of a major freeway network through central Dallas, has been identified by traffic safety advocates as problematic due to high-speed vehicle transitions from highway to surface streets. The location sits near several Dallas landmarks including the historic Deep Ellum district and is frequently traveled by pedestrians moving between downtown entertainment venues. The intersection features standard traffic control devices, but the configuration of the freeway off-ramp can create challenging visibility conditions for both drivers and pedestrians. This area has been the subject of ongoing urban planning discussions regarding pedestrian safety improvements and infrastructure modifications to better accommodate the district's significant foot traffic.

Legal Rights and Considerations

Under Texas Transportation Code, hit-and-run incidents involving fatalities constitute felony charges, with penalties including substantial prison sentences and fines. Families of hit-and-run victims may pursue wrongful death claims against the responsible driver once identified, seeking compensation for funeral expenses, lost future earnings, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, though pedestrians lawfully using crosswalks typically have right-of-way protection. The state's statute of limitations for wrongful death claims is generally two years from the date of death, making prompt legal consultation essential. Victims' families may also be eligible for compensation through Texas Crime Victims' Compensation Fund for hit-and-run fatalities. Additionally, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage may provide benefits if the responsible party lacks adequate insurance or remains unidentified. Given the complexity of hit-and-run cases and the need to preserve evidence, families should consider consulting with experienced personal injury attorneys who specialize in pedestrian accidents and wrongful death claims.

Related Resources

Emergency Services:

• Dallas Police Department: (214) 671-4065
• Dallas Fire-Rescue: 911 for emergencies
• Parkland Hospital: (214) 590-8000

Traffic Safety Resources:

• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Dallas District: (214) 320-6100
• Dallas Vision Zero Initiative
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Support Services:

• Texas Crime Victims' Compensation Program: (800) 983-9933
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) North Texas: (214) 528-6233
• Dallas County District Attorney's Victim Services: (214) 653-3840
• Grief counseling services through Baylor Scott & White

Legal Resources:

• State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service: (800) 252-9690
• Texas Transportation Code (pedestrian laws)
• Dallas Municipal Court Traffic Division: (214) 671-9600