BREAKING: A Driver Using a Phone and Failing to Stop at a Red Light Strikes a 53-Year-Old Woman Walking with Her Family in Houston, Only for Rescue Teams to Discover She Was the Mother of Basketball Star Angel Reese…

In a tragic turn of events, a horrifying car accident unfolded in Houston earlier today when a distracted driver—reportedly using a phone while behind the wheel—ran a red light and struck a 53-year-old woman who was walking with her family. The victim has since been identified as none other than Angel Reese’s mother, adding an emotional and high-profile layer to the already devastating incident.

According to initial police reports, the crash occurred around midday at a busy intersection in southwest Houston. Witnesses say the vehicle barreled through the red light without slowing down, directly hitting the woman as she crossed the street legally with her family. Bystanders rushed to help as screams rang out, and within minutes, paramedics and emergency responders were on the scene.

The victim was immediately transported to Memorial Hermann Hospital in critical condition. Moments later, as rescue teams began contacting next-of-kin, the identity of the injured woman sent shockwaves through the community — she is the mother of WNBA star and Olympic hopeful Angel Reese.

Sources close to the family say Angel Reese was on a team call when she received the heartbreaking news. The rising basketball phenom reportedly broke down in tears and is said to be en route to Houston as we speak. Neither Angel Reese nor her representatives have released a public statement yet, but WNBA officials confirmed that the league is “offering all possible support to Angel and her family during this time.”

Police confirmed that the driver remained at the scene and was visibly shaken. Preliminary field sobriety tests did not indicate intoxication, but officers did recover a cellphone from the driver’s lap. Investigators believe the driver was texting or using social media when the accident occurred. Charges are likely pending, including reckless endangerment and failure to yield to a pedestrian.

The incident has reignited public outrage over distracted driving. “How many more people have to suffer before we take phone use behind the wheel seriously?” one witness asked reporters. “That woman was with her family. She was doing nothing wrong. And now she might not make it.”

Social media erupted as news spread of Angel Reese’s connection to the victim. Fans flooded platforms with prayers, heart emojis, and messages of support, many using hashtags like #PrayForAngelReese and #JusticeForMom. Several of Reese’s teammates also posted emotional tributes online, calling her mother “the kind of woman who lights up a room” and “a mom to everyone.”

The Reese family has long been a tight-knit unit, with Angel often crediting her mother for her work ethic, determination, and “Queen energy” on and off the court. In past interviews, Angel has referred to her mom as “my greatest role model and the reason I never quit, no matter how hard it gets.”

Today’s incident casts a dark cloud over what was supposed to be a hopeful summer for the Reese family. Angel was recently named a finalist for Team USA’s Olympic roster and has been making waves both in the WNBA and in endorsement circles. Now, with her mother fighting for her life, the star forward’s world has been turned upside down in a matter of moments.

Houston authorities are asking any witnesses who may have video footage or additional information to come forward as the investigation continues. Meanwhile, trauma counselors have been made available to the Reese family and others impacted by the accident.

At press time, hospital officials stated that Angel Reese’s mother remains in critical but stable condition following emergency surgery. Doctors are closely monitoring internal injuries and brain swelling, with the next 48 hours being “absolutely vital,” according to a spokesperson.

As the basketball world rallies around one of its brightest stars, today serves as a painful reminder: one glance at a phone can change—or end—a life. And in this case, it very nearly did.

SEE MORE: Sophie Cunningham vindicated after facing petition to be banned from WNBA

Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon has spoken on Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham defending Caitlin Clark with a hard foul in retaliation against the Connecticut Sun last week

Sophie Cunningham’s jersey has sold out after she defended Caitlin Clark last week

Sophie Cunningham was the subject of a petition calling for her to be ‘banned’ from the WNBA after she hard fouled an opponent last week, but a rival head coach has defended her actions.

Las Vegas Aces head coach Becky Hammon actually enjoyed seeing Cunningham doing what she did, after she retaliated with a hard foul on a Connecticut Sun player, who had fouled her teammate in Caitlin Clark earlier in the game. Cunningham has received both praise and hate the incident which sparked a brawl before facing a petition to ban her from the game.

Cunningham had fouled Jacy Sheldon with just seconds left in the game, having no intention of playing the ball while looking to bring down her opponent – who had fouled Clark on numerous occasions earlier in the game. Clark appeared to be targeted earlier by the Sun and even shoved to the ground by Connecticut guard Marina Mabrey. Cunningham’s actions had clearly been in defense of Clark. It came as a WNBA commentator was humiliated in a bizarre Donald Trump incident live on air.

Speaking on the Clark incident, and how it had been officiated, Hammon explained that the Fever guard will have to get used to hard fouls throughout her career.

She said: “She’s a beast… and she’s just going to continue to get better. But she’s a player who you have to be physical with. If you just follow her around, she’s going to cook you for dinner.”

When asked on her thoughts on Cunningham and her teammates defending her, Hammon admitted that she’s a fan of such actions being allowed. She said: “I think teammates should step in and defend Caitlin.

Sophie Cunningham had sparked a scrap between numerous players after her hard foul

“But at the end of the day… there’s too much bumping, too much grabbing, too much fouling that’s not getting called. And people are tired of getting hit.”

Cunningham has quickly become a fan favorite with the Fever since joining alongside Clark, seeing her jersey now completely sold out following the incident.

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Meanwhile, some other fans want her kicked out of the league. In a peculiar petition, a fans group, with 388 signatures, have explained why there’s no place in the league for her actions.

“Cunningham has been involved in numerous incidents that have not only compromised the safety of other players but also tarnished the reputation of the WNBA as a league that prides itself on integrity and fair play,” the petition alleges.

Becky Hammon defended Sophie Cunningham’s actions

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“The WNBA has always been a beacon of sportsmanship and empowerment, showcasing the talents of incredible athletes who inspire fans around the world… Sophie Cunningham’s aggressive and malicious actions have violated these principles, diminishing the spirit of competition and setting a poor example for aspiring young athletes,” it continued.

“We urge the WNBA to uphold its standards and take firm action against players who repeatedly demonstrate disrespect and aggression toward others. Removing Sophie Cunningham from the league would send a strong message that the WNBA does not tolerate violence or intimidation, ensuring that the court remains a place for celebration, skill, and unity rather than conflict.”