Steven Marks Obituary, Death; – A 48-year-old man has been charged with intoxication manslaughter following a crash in Texas that resulted in the death of a USPS worker on Saturday afternoon, according to Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez.
The incident occurred in the 11700-block of Antoine Drive in Houston, as reported by the sheriff. The sheriff indicated that the collision involved two vehicles: a postal truck and a pickup truck.
“We have witnesses who observed the vehicle traveling at a significantly high rate of speed. It was a rather violent crash that took place,” stated HCSO Sgt. Villacorta.
Officials reported that the driver of the pickup truck was heading southbound on Antoine Drive while attempting to flee from the scene of a separate minor accident further up the road.
“As he was fleeing, he was traveling at a high rate of speed, lost control, and collided with the rear of the postal truck that was delivering mail to residences on the southbound side of Antoine Drive,” Sgt. Villacorta explained.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that the driver of the postal vehicle, 58-year-old Steven Marks, was transported to a hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Marks was well-known and beloved by the local community.
“I will miss giving him the Long Island tea that he enjoyed receiving for Christmas. I will truly miss handing that to him,” remarked one neighbor.
Another neighbor shared with ABC Houston affiliate KTRK that they used to play pool together as well.
“He will always remain in our hearts. He was someone we truly cared for,” the neighbor expressed.
The United States Postal Service released a statement expressing its condolences for the worker who had dedicated 28 years of service:
The Postal Service is profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of life that occurred yesterday in a two-vehicle accident in Houston, TX, involving our Postal family member with 28 years of service. Our thoughts are with their family, friends, and colleagues during this challenging time. We will provide counseling services to our employees at the Cornerstone Post Office as the investigation into the incident proceeds.
Meanwhile, the driver of the pickup, identified as 48-year-old Jose Humberto Romero, was found to have been intoxicated, Gonzalez said, and added that Romero was booked into the Harris County jail. Romero’s bond was set at $250,000 and is set to appear in court on Monday, Oct. 20.
“This charge would previously (be) a second-degree felony, but the 89th Texas Legislature provided an enhancement, now making it a first-degree felony if the defendant has been previously convicted of DWI, which it appears Romero was in 2023,” Gonzalez said.
Court records found that Romero was previously arrested for DWI back in 2023. Records show that he spent 3 days in Harris County Jail, and had his license suspended for 90 days.
