SAN ANTONIO — A 41-year-old motorcyclist died after police say he lost control while racing another vehicle and crashed into a tree in downtown San Antonio late Monday night.
The crash happened just before 11 p.m. along West Commerce Street near North Santa Rosa Avenue.
The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the motorcyclist as Javier Romayor Jr.
San Antonio police said Romayor was racing another vehicle along West Commerce Street when he lost control of his motorcycle and struck a tree. He was taken to Brooke Army Medical Center in critical condition and later died from blunt force injuries.
Officers searched the area for the other vehicle involved but did not find it. Police have not released a description of that vehicle.
The deadly crash is raising concerns about the dangers of street racing in an area frequented by pedestrians and tourists.
Hugo Flores, who has owned Texas Hats along Commerce Street for nine years, said he does not typically see racing in the area.
“Of course, it’s not safe to be speeding anywhere, but we don’t see that much, honestly,” Flores said.
Trish DeBerry, president and CEO of Centro San Antonio, said she has seen street racing downtown, particularly during the evening and overnight hours when fewer vehicles are on the streets.
“The bottom line is this: It’s all fun and games until tragedy strikes and someone loses their life,” DeBerry said. “And that’s exactly what happened in this case.”
DeBerry said the issue could become more dangerous as more people come downtown.
“As we grow downtown, we’ve got to curb this kind of activity because as we’ve gotten more people in downtown, it becomes that much more dangerous,” DeBerry said.
At the crash site Tuesday, markings left by investigators remained visible along West Commerce Street. Romayor’s stepson was also seen placing flowers near the area where the crash happened.
Police have not released additional information about the other vehicle involved.
The investigation remains ongoing.