In a preventable incident, a crash at the intersection of Pierce Road and Stagecoach Drive on Thursday afternoon claimed the lives of two young cousins. The accident occurred at approximately 3:30 pm on August 10, 2023.
The Red Oak Fire and Rescue team, along with officers from the Department of Public Safety (DPS), rushed to the scene following the dispatch call. Preliminary investigations by DPS suggest that the vehicle, driven by one of the victims, was traveling at an "unsafe speed" along Pierce Road. The driver lost control of the vehicle, resulting in a collision with a fence at the intersection.
Authorities have disclosed that both victims were not wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash. This unfortunate decision may have contributed to the severity of the injuries sustained. Despite the swift response of emergency personnel, both the driver and her passenger were pronounced deceased at the scene.
The victims were identified as 15-year-old Emily Alaniz and 17-year-old Denise Gonzalez.
Both girls were students at Red Oak ISD. The School district posted a statement on their facebook page saying, "It is with heartfelt sadness we inform you that two ROHS students were killed yesterday in an auto accident. We have very limited details at this time and are not releasing names, but want our families to be aware of this horrible tragedy and to make sure you know counselors are available at school should your child need grief resources. Please keep the families in your prayers."
The crash remains under investigation.
A GoFundMe has been set up for both of the victims to help families cover the cost of the funerals and other expenses.
Anyone wishing to donate to the GoFundMe can do so here.
