PROSPER, TX – A tragic incident unfolded last week in Prosper, Texas, when a repeat offender allegedly driving under the influence ran a red light, resulting in the death of a beloved school nurse and mother of two. Raquel Torres Sawyer, 41, was killed in the crash, which occurred at a busy intersection on a Friday afternoon.
Dashcam footage captured the harrowing moments leading to the collision, showing a black truck speeding through a red light before striking Sawyer’s SUV. The footage, although difficult to watch, is aiding the ongoing investigation, according to police.
Eyewitnesses at the scene quickly exited their vehicles to offer help to the victim, but despite their efforts, Sawyer succumbed to her injuries after being transported to a local hospital. Prosper Police confirmed that Sawyer had the right of way when the incident occurred at the intersection of Highway 380 and Lover’s Lane.
The driver of the truck, identified as 25-year-old Austin Bruckner of Denton, was also hospitalized with serious injuries. Authorities later charged him with intoxication manslaughter, and he is currently being held in Collin County Jail. This tragic event marks Bruckner’s second offense related to driving under the influence, following a previous DWI conviction in Dallas in 2021, for which he received a year of community supervision.
Sawyer’s untimely death has left a void in the lives of her family, friends, and colleagues. She was a dedicated educator and nurse at Jerry R. Walker Middle School in Little Elm, where she worked for about a year and made a significant impact on the community, according to Little Elm ISD officials.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with police still working to determine Bruckner’s whereabouts and actions leading up to the incident. During their search, authorities discovered a pistol inside Bruckner’s vehicle, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
The community mourns the loss of Sawyer, remembering her as a caring mother and a committed professional who touched the lives of many. As the investigation continues, residents are left grappling with the senseless nature of the accident that claimed her life.