Tragic death of John Jay student leads to road safety improvements

City leaders work to install new crosswalk signals and other measures to protect students and pedestrians near the high school.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The death of 16-year-old Jose Flores III, who was struck by a truck while crossing a busy road near John Jay High School, has prompted city leaders to implement new traffic safety measures. These include installing a HAWK signal crosswalk, restriping sidewalks, and exploring a full traffic signal in front of the school. Officials say the goal is to prevent another tragedy and ensure student safety.

Why it matters

The fatal accident involving Jose Flores III has highlighted the need for improved road safety near schools, where students frequently cross busy streets. City leaders are working to address this issue and implement measures that can better protect pedestrians, especially young students, in the area.

The details

Jose Flores III, described as compassionate and driven by his family, was hit on September 16 while using a crosswalk on Marbach Road during an off-campus lunch period. He was hospitalized in critical condition and died nearly a month later. The driver was not charged. In response, city council members Edward Mungia and Ric Galvan began working with school leaders, the family, and city traffic engineers to develop short-term and long-term safety improvements. The short-term plan includes installing a HAWK signal to alert drivers when pedestrians are crossing, restriping sidewalks, and improving traffic flow for student drop-off and pickup. Longer-term options under consideration include a full traffic signal in front of the school.

  • On September 16, Jose Flores III was hit while using a crosswalk on Marbach Road.
  • Jose Flores III died nearly a month after the accident.

The players

Jose Flores III

A 16-year-old student at John Jay High School who was fatally struck by a truck while crossing a busy road near the school.

Edward Mungia

A city council member who began working with school leaders, the family, and city traffic engineers to develop safety improvements after the accident.

Ric Galvan

A city council member who also began working on safety improvements and is proposing a memorial for Jose Flores III near the school.

Amanda Saucedo

Jose Flores III's mother, who described him as compassionate and driven.

Jose Flores

Jose Flores III's father, who said the family hopes the planned changes will help prevent another tragedy.

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What they’re saying

“He wanted to be a firefighter. He wanted to save lives. He was a good big brother.”

— Amanda Saucedo, Jose Flores III's mother (kens5.com)

“No parent should have to go through this. No student should have to go through this. The biggest thing I want to make sure is this doesn't happen for anyone.”

— Ric Galvan, City Council member (kens5.com)

“I don't want my son to be forgotten.”

— Jose Flores, Jose Flores III's father (kens5.com)

What’s next

City officials expect to have a clearer timeline and cost estimate for the crosswalk upgrades by the end of the month.

The takeaway

The tragic death of Jose Flores III has spurred city leaders to take immediate action to improve road safety near John Jay High School, with plans for new crosswalk signals, sidewalk improvements, and potential traffic signals. This demonstrates the importance of prioritizing pedestrian safety, especially around schools, and the need for swift action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.