HOUSTON — Hilarious. Kind. Motherly: That is how Harris County Precinct 5 Deputy Constable Katherine Hutson is being remembered by those who knew her following her death as well as the death of her young daughter.
Hutson was 46 years old and an 18-year veteran of Precinct 5. Hutson was known for her dedication and service to the community, but family friend Anna Gunderson also described Hutson as funny and quick-witted.
Gunderson said Hutson was a mom, through and through, who would do anything for her children – but also other kids in the community.
“She definitely would talk to me if I was having any issues or anything in my personal life, she would help me through it, give me good advice,” Gunderson said.
Gunderson said her family became close to the Hutson family after she and Hutson’s older son got to know each other through 4-H, a youth development program, which they participated in at St. John's Lutheran Church in Waller.
“4-H definitely brought our families together, and through that we were pretty good friends,” Gunderson said.
She said she even spent time with Hutson’s 7-year-old daughter, Kasey.
“I remember when she brought Kasey to the 4-H meetings, and we all got to play with her at the end,” Gunderson said. “Kasey was just the sweetest, sassiest little girl.”
Gunderson is heartbroken that both Hutson and her daughter are no longer with us.
“My gut just dropped. I just felt kind of sick. Honestly, I couldn’t believe it,” Gunderson said.
The Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office said Hutson and her daughter were killed in a car crash Friday morning on the Katy Freeway near the 610 West Loop. Houston police said Hutson was working an extra job, providing traffic control for a road construction convoy when her vehicle was hit from behind by a Mazda.
Police identified the driver of the Mazda as 23-year-old Omar Jose Alvarado. He was taken into custody after police said they believed he was impaired at the time of the crash. HPD said charges of intoxication manslaughter and intoxication manslaughter of a peace officer are pending.
“The biggest message out of all of this is just please don’t drink and drive,” Gunderson said.
Gunderson said she prays that the Hutson family finds peace.
“Just look for the little signs, even if it’s they’re playing their favorite song in the restaurant, or you see something that reminds you of them, just take that as a sign that they’re there with you,” Gunderson said. “We’ve lost two amazing people that had so much life still left to live, and now they don’t have a chance at that.”
KHOU 11 News spoke to Hutson’s father over the phone, who said he was very proud of his daughter for her service to the community.
Houston police said the suspect, Omar Jose Alvarado, will be taken to the Harris County Jail once he is released from the hospital.