Maria Zepeda Obituary-Death: 58-Year-Old Orange Woman Dies in North 16th Street Crash

Maria Zepeda, 58, of Orange, Texas, died following a three-vehicle collision on North 16th Street on Thursday evening, October 22, 2026. Zepeda was a passenger in a Toyota Highlander that collided with a BMW. She was ejected from the vehicle and later died at a hospital, according to local reports.

Fatal Collision on North 16th Street

The crash occurred at approximately 9:11 p.m. in the 2400 block of North 16th Street near Putnam Avenue in Orange, Texas.

According to the preliminary investigation by the Orange Police Department, a black BMW was traveling northbound in the right lane while a Toyota Highlander was attempting to turn left from the center turn lane into a private driveway. The vehicles collided at the intersection.

The impact reportedly caused Zepeda, who was riding in the Highlander, to be ejected from the vehicle. She sustained serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to St. Elizabeth Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Emergency responders from the Orange Police Department, Orange Fire Department and Acadian Ambulance attended the scene. North 16th Street was closed for several hours while responders worked and investigators examined the collision.

Another Occupant Injured

The driver of the Toyota Highlander, identified in local reporting as Zepeda’s husband, was also taken to a hospital with injuries described as non-life-threatening.

The driver of the BMW was evaluated and treated at the scene by Acadian Ambulance personnel but did not require hospital transport. A third vehicle, described in local reporting as a Chevrolet Camaro, was also struck and sustained minor damage.

Initial reports indicated that the occupants of the BMW and Camaro did not sustain injuries requiring ambulance transport.

Authorities have not publicly established all the factors that contributed to the collision. The Orange Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Investigation Into the Fatal Crash

Police are reviewing the events leading up to the collision at North 16th Street and the circumstances surrounding the Highlander’s attempted turn into a private driveway.

According to the initial reporting, those involved in the incident and several witnesses cooperated with investigators. Officials had not released a final determination of fault or announced any charges in the reports reviewed.

The investigation remains ongoing, and further information may become available as authorities complete their review.

Remembering Maria Zepeda

Maria Zepeda was 58 years old and lived in Orange, Texas. Her death following the collision has brought attention to the devastating consequences that serious roadway accidents can have on families and communities.

Additional details about Zepeda’s life, including her date of birth, occupation, family members and community involvement, were not available in the initial news reports reviewed for this article.

Funeral and memorial arrangements had not been publicly confirmed at the time of writing. Those details should be obtained from her family or an authorized funeral home when an announcement becomes available.

Personal Details

Incident Details

Disclaimer

This article is based on initial local news reports published on October 22–23, 2026. Details may change as the Orange Police Department continues its investigation. The cause of the collision and any question of responsibility have not been conclusively established in the reports reviewed. Personal and funeral information that has not been publicly confirmed is identified as unavailable rather than assumed.