Run Over by Metro

The city's bus company shows little inclination to pay up or change its ways, even after it smacks into people like its own employee Clarence Santee Jr.

Comments (0) By Todd Spivak Thursday, Mar 30 2006

...continued from page 7

To the cameras and reporters, Smalley extended "sympathy and condolences" to Leon-Herrera's family. But Avila and his siblings say they never received any apology. And neither did Lorenzo Hernandez, her longtime boyfriend.

Metro still has not provided financial compensation for the accident. Not that any amount of money could make things right.

Daniel Kramer

Police dragged Metro employee Myesha Taylor Thomas's corpse from beneath the left front bumper.

Courtesy of Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harr

Police dragged Metro employee Myesha Taylor Thomas's corpse from beneath the left front bumper.

More About

"When I go home, I think about her and I cry because I miss her so much," says Hernandez. "I feel sick every time I cross a street. I see Metro buses everywhere."

Avila remarks that four years ago his mother fled Mexico City, one of the world's most violent cities, and came to Houston seeking a safer, better life.

"I just can't believe how a bus driver can miss a person," he says.

Neither the driver's nor Metro's explanation provides Avila much solace.

Alexandre, who was fired by Metro and now faces felony charges, blamed Leon-Herrera for entering his blind spot.

Metro, meanwhile, insists her death was a fluke. And it has the numbers to prove it.