Candida Rodriguez** lost her life in a tragic crash late **Saturday morning** while attempting to merge onto **Highway 224** from **SE Amisigger Road**, according to local authorities. The 36-year-old woman was driving her **Toyota Corolla** when it was struck by a **Dodge Ram 2500**, the impact so severe that she died instantly before paramedics could reach her.
Emergency crews, including local fire and medical personnel, arrived within minutes of the 911 call, but **Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the scene**. Two passengers traveling with her suffered **minor injuries** and were treated at the scene before being transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation. The driver of the Dodge Ram was **uninjured** and remained on-site, cooperating fully with investigators.
Preliminary reports from police indicate that **speeding and impairment do not appear to be factors** in the crash. Authorities are reviewing **vehicle data and witness statements** to determine the exact sequence of events, including whether visibility or a potential misjudgment during merging contributed to the deadly collision.
The roadway was temporarily closed for several hours as officers documented the scene and cleared debris.The sudden loss of Candida Rodriguez has left her family and friends devastated. Loved ones describe her as a warm, compassionate woman whose kindness touched everyone she met. “She was always smiling and helping others — that’s who she was,” a relative shared.
As investigators continue to piece together what happened, the community mourns a life taken too soon in a moment that unfolded in seconds. Authorities are reminding drivers to remain cautious and patient when merging or entering highways, emphasizing that even small miscalculations can have tragic consequences. Rodriguez’s death stands as a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety.
