Houston running community, family mourns loss of beloved marathoner Lilia Vazquez

HOUSTON - The Houston running community is grieving the loss of Lilia Vazquez, a 61-year-old wife, mother, and accomplished marathoner, who was tragically struck and killed by a car on December 13.

Vazquez, who also worked as a physical therapist at Baylor College of Medicine, was running near Westpark and Fondren when the accident occurred.

Her longtime friend, Will Henderson, remembered her as "spicy," fun, and deeply empathetic. "She remembered everyone’s name. She was your best friend," he said.

Vazquez, who ran several major marathons, including Boston and Mexico City, was also an elite runner for the Houston Marathon. 

"There’s no one who can replace Lili," Henderson said, reflecting on the hole her death leaves in their community.

Authorities are still searching for the driver responsible for the crash, and investigators are treating the case as a criminal matter due to the driver’s failure to remain at the scene.

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"There's a big difference between an accident where you stay on scene and render aid, versus taking off from the scene," said Commander Donna Crawford of the Houston Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Division.

As friends and family process the loss, they focus on supporting Vazquez’s husband and two daughters. 

Henderson said, "For most people in the running community, they recognize how great of an individual she was. Just amazing. Really, really amazing."

Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Houston Police Department.