Teen brothers killed while helping fix flat tire
Two Kaufman County brothers were among those killed by an alleged drunken driver while trying to lend a helping hand on New Year’s Day. Family members say Mario de la Paz, 18, and Fernando de la Paz, 15, were helping a friend and his family fix a flat tire when they were hit.
MESQUITE, Texas – Two Kaufman County brothers were among those killed by an alleged drunken driver while trying to lend a helping hand on New Year’s Day.
What We Know: Four people were killed in the crash on Interstate 20 near FM 741 in Mesquite.
Family members say Mario de la Paz, 18, and Fernando de la Paz, 15, were called to the area shortly after midnight to help their friend, 19-year-old Anthony Hernandez, and his father, 47-year-old Arturo Gonzalez, who had pulled their SUV over on the side of the interstate because of a flat tire.
A mother and two children were also in the SUV.
Shortly after the de la Paz brothers arrived, a truck drove off the shoulder of I-20 into a ditch, striking them and the SUV they were working on.
All four people outside of the car were killed.
Basilio Mares Ortiz, 35, is facing four counts of intoxication manslaughter.
What They’re Saying: Family members for the de la Paz brothers say they forgive Ortiz.
“When we forgive, it’s a relief for us,” said Nereida Diera, the boys’ aunt.
But the family also wants him to be held accountable.
“For this to happen, it just came out of nowhere,” Diera said. “We have to bring an awareness. Yes, don’t drink and drive.”
How You Can Help: A GoFundMe for the brothers has raised more than $40,000.
