Brothers, 18 and 15, killed by accused drunk driver as they change tire, Texas cops say

Two brothers with “promising young lives” were among four people killed by an accused drunk driver as they helped change a tire, according to family members and Texas authorities.

The four victims, who range in age from 15 to 47, died following the New Year’s Day crash in Mesquite, according to the Mesquite Police Department.

Nayeli Rodriguez said her 19-year-old brother, Anthony Hernandez, and her stepfather, 47-year-old Arturo Martinez Gonzalez, were traveling home from a family reunion when they had a flat tire, KTVT reported.

They began changing the tire with help from brothers Mario De La Paz, 18, and Fernando De La Paz, 15, police said.

Each of the four individuals and their car were then struck by a vehicle driven by Basilio Mares Ortiz, who police said had drifted onto the road’s shoulder. The 35-year-old driver was intoxicated, according to police.

The four victims and Ortiz are from Terrell.

Family members described the “incredible” teen brothers as being “bright (and) kind.”

“These young boys were full of life, laughter, and dreams for the future,” loved ones said in a GoFundMe. “They were loved by so many, and their loss is felt deeply by everyone who knew them.”

Police said Ortiz was arrested and charged with intoxication manslaughter. He was being held in jail on a $1 million bond, according to InForney.com.

“For this to happen, it just came out of nowhere,” Nereida Diera, the aunt of the brothers, told KDFW. “We have to bring an awareness. Yes, don’t drink and drive.”

Mesquite is an eastern suburb of Dallas.

This story was originally published January 6, 2025 at 12:14 PM with the headline "Brothers, 18 and 15, killed by accused drunk driver as they change tire, Texas cops say."