Cheryl Ann Jefferson, 54, killed, after being struck by a vehcile while searching for her car keys just of a roadway in Houston.

A Houston-area driver has died after being hit by a vehicle when she stopped to help look for a passenger's keys that were accidentally tossed out a window.

The Texas Department of Public Safety says 54-year-old Cheryl Ann Jefferson of Houston was killed in Sunday afternoon's accident.

Authorities believe the passenger accidentally threw the keys out a window along with some trash.

Investigators say Jefferson parked her SUV along a roadway and turned on her flashing emergency lights while trying to look for the keys in a brushy area. She was struck by another vehicle.

The driver of the second vehicle remained at the scene after the accident. DPS says no charges were immediately filed.

Investigators did not immediately say whether the missing keys were located.