A tragic crash on State Highway 44 just outside of Alice, Texas, claimed the life of 52-year-old Andriana Garza and left others critically injured. According to a press release from the Texas Highway Patrol, the accident occurred on Friday when a 2021 Hyundai Elantra failed to yield the right of way to eastbound traffic at a crossover, resulting in a collision with a 2023 Jeep Commander.
The Jeep Commander, driven by 52-year-old Rose Quintanilla of San Diego and carrying 26-year-old Eddie Quintanilla Jr., was traveling eastbound on Hwy 44. The Hyundai Elantra, driven by 57-year-old Daniel Araujo with Andriana Garza as a passenger, pulled out in front of the Jeep, leaving no time to avoid the collision. The Jeep struck the Elantra on the passenger side, causing both vehicles to veer off the roadway to the south.
The impact caused the Jeep Commander to roll over, coming to rest upside down. Bystanders rushed to help, pulling Araujo from the Elantra before it caught fire. Tragically, they were unable to rescue Garza, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
Araujo was initially taken to Christus Spohn Hospital in Alice before being airlifted to Christus Spohn Shoreline in Corpus Christi, where he remains in critical condition. The Quintanillas were also transported to Christus Spohn in Alice for treatment. Eddie Quintanilla Jr. was later transferred to Christus Spohn Shoreline for further care.
The Texas Highway Patrol is investigating the crash, and details about the cause are still being determined. The incident serves as a heartbreaking reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety.
Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of Andriana Garza, Daniel Araujo, and the Quintanillas during this difficult time. The community mourns the loss of a life and prays for the recovery of those injured in this devastating accident.