LISD Educator Esther Buckley Dies in Auto Accident

A long time Laredo teacher was a victim of a two-vehicle crash Monday afternoon in north Webb County.

The accident occurred at about 3:20 p.m. at the intersection of Columbia Toll Road and Interstate Highway 35.

Esther Buckley was a passenger of a 2007 Dodge minivan driven by her 41-year-old son, James Joseph Buckley of Laredo, who disregarded a stop sign at the intersection.

Their vehicle then collided with a 2007 Mack bobtail tractor driven by Rene Gutierrez Elizondo, 46, of Laredo.

Esther was pronounced dead on the scene.

James’ condition was unknown.

Elizondo did not sustain injuries but was taken to Doctors Hospital for a medical evaluation.

Esther and James, who is also an educator at LISD, had gone to Austin to lobby state leaders for more money for Laredo schools.

Esther Buckley taught at Laredo Independent School District for 42 years. She was recently a part of the staff at the Dennis Cantu Health Magnet at Martin High School. Over the years, she received numerous recognitions for her outstanding service.

LISD released a statement saying, “The hearts of everyone in the district are greatly saddened at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Buckley family.”