Nationwide — Zion Branch, a 19-year-old African American teen from Humble, Texas, sadly passed away after a pickup truck crashed into the bakery where she worked. She had recently finished high school, was accepted to college, and was preparing to begin classes soon.
The crash happened Tuesday afternoon at a Nothing Bundt Cakes location on West Lake Houston Parkway near FM 1960 in Atascocita. Authorities with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said a driver in his 70s tried to park when his foot slipped from the brake to the accelerator, sending the truck into the storefront.
Zion died at the scene. A customer inside suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital in stable condition. Employees working in the back of the bakery were not hurt, and the driver, along with his passenger, also avoided injury.
Outside the bakery, the scene has turned into a growing memorial. Flowers, balloons, and handwritten notes now cover the area as friends, coworkers, and neighbors stop by to pay their respects.
Her mother, Karamell Brown, said the loss feels overwhelming. “When your babies are gone, you will feel it in your soul, and it hurts,” she told 11Alive. “Oh, it hurts so bad.”
She said Zion had worked at the bakery for about three months to learn how the business operated. She wanted to build a future in baking while also studying finance, with the long-term goal of opening her own shop.
Branch had recently been accepted to the University of Houston-Downtown and planned to start classes in the fall. Family members described her as focused, funny, and someone who could easily brighten a room with her personality.
Investigators said the driver stayed on scene and cooperated. They reported no signs of intoxication. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Vehicular Crimes Division continues to review what happened and whether charges will be filed.
Nothing Bundt Cakes released a statement expressing grief over the loss of one of its employees. The company said it is cooperating with investigators and focusing on supporting staff affected by the crash.
Her family has also started a GoFundMe to help with expenses as the investigation continues. It has so far raised over $32,000.