ATASCOCITA, TX (June 30, 2026) — A young bakery employee was killed Tuesday afternoon when a vehicle crashed into the Atascocita business where she was working, according to authorities.
The victim was identified as Zion Branch. Earlier that same morning, Branch had been accepted to the University of Houston.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Division said the crash occurred around 3:11 p.m. at the Nothing Bundt Cakes located at 19250 W. Lake Houston Parkway. A Ram 1500 truck occupied by two people drove into the private parking lot and turned right into a parking stall directly in front of the business. The driver’s foot reportedly slipped from the brake to the accelerator, causing the truck to crash through the bakery’s south wall and entrance. The vehicle continued north into the building before striking the main sales counter, where it struck Branch.
Branch was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officials said intoxication does not appear to have been a factor in the crash. The investigation is ongoing.
