The Texas Department of Public Safety is investigating a crash that occurred on Saturday, February 1, at approximately 11:37 p.m. along Minnesota Road in Weslaco.
A 2014 Ford was driving westbound on Minnesota Road by 34-year-old Marlena Cantu of San Juan. A 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe that was traveling behind her, driven by 34-year-old Miguel Lopez of Alamo, lost control and hit the Ford from behind. The accident occurred between Veterans Road and Raul Longoria Road.
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Cantu and a passenger in the Ford with her were transported to McAllen Medical for their injuries. Cantu was pronounced dead at the hospital due to the seriousness of the injuries she sustained from the accident with Lopez. Her passenger only ended up with minor injuries.
Lopez was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his minor injuries. When Lopez was released from the hospital, he was immediately taken into custody and transported by police to the Hidalgo County Jail.
Lopez was under the influence when the accident occurred.
Lopez was charged with multiple felonies including intoxication manslaughter, intoxication assault, and two charges of failure to stop and render aid.
The Transportation Code of the State of Texas is very clear when discussing the responsibility of motorists and the consequences of not following them.
It is the duty of a motorist, who is in an accident, and physically able to help the others involved in an accident if they are injured. Lopez failed to do this after striking Cantu’s Ford.
The charge of intoxication assault against Lopez is for the passenger’s injuries sustained in the accident. The intoxication manslaughter is for the death of Cantu. He could face up to 20 years in prison for the crimes.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has expressed that troopers are still investigating this accident.
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