Tragic death inspires call to identify unsafe fiber optic lines

Following the tragic death of a San Antonio woman, Crosley Law is asking for your help to locate fiber optic and other utility lines that might be hanging in an illegal or dangerous manner. 

Our law firm has established a simple form where you can send your information. Any help will be greatly appreciated and could help prevent such tragedies from happening in the future.

A fatal accident at her own home

In May 2025, 64-year-old Glenda Roth was working in her yard. A dump truck passed by on the road. According to San Antonio police, a metal arm at the top of the truck snagged a branch. This in turn dislodged a hanging fiber optic cable which fell and struck Glenda in the head. 

Glenda was rushed to Brooke Army Medical Center with bleeding on the brain. She fought for nearly two weeks and through multiple surgeries, but ultimately succumbed to her injury. 

What caused this accident? 

Crosley Law is investigating this incident as a potential wrongful death. 

The account from the dump truck driver implies that the fiber optic line that struck Glenda might have been hanging lower than recommended by national standard.

According to the National Electrical Safety Code, overhead lines should have a minimum vertical clearance of 15.5 feet along any road with commercial truck traffic.

There is also the question of whether trees and vegetation near the line were overgrown, which could have been caused by maintenance neglect. It also is possible that the truck that passed by during the incident was at an improper height. 

Why we need your help

Our investigation into this case is ongoing. One of the big questions we must answer is:

Do unsafe overhead lines exist elsewhere within Texas and, if so, where? 

Should the cause of Glenda’s fatal injury be tied to unsafe fiber optic line conditions, knowing other unsafe locations can help us mount a more effective case against the parties responsible. Additional steps also can be taken to address these potential hazards and help prevent such a horrific neighborhood accident from happening again.  

Do you suspect unsafe overhead lines in your area?

We are looking for fiber optic lines that might: 

• Hang too low 

• Are overgrown with surrounding vegetation 

• Otherwise show signs of poor maintenance or dangerous conditions 

Fill out the form below with any information you can provide. We strongly request that you: 

• DO NOT attempt to measure the height of an overhead line 

• DO NOT trespass or commit any other illegal act to acquire information 

• DO NOT act in any way that could put yourself or another person in danger 

Rough estimates of conditions are all we ask for. Our team will handle all investigations for you with the help of utility professionals.  

Thank you for looking around your community. Your contributions may help a grieving family find justice and prevent other families from having to endure such tragic events. 

Please contact Crosley Law if you have any questions.