Ana Guzman DePena, Jessica Pena Guzman and 2-Year-Old Girl Killed in Seagoville Crash on Highway 175 near FM 1389

Seagoville, Texas (August 19, 2022) – Authorities have identified the two women who were killed in a wrong-way crash early Sunday morning in Seagoville as Ana Teresa Guzman DePena, 49, of Kaufman County, and her daughter, Jessica Nayeli Pena Guzman, 23, of Katy. Jessica’s 2-year-old daughter also died in the crash.

At around 1:07 a.m. Sunday, August 7, the Crandall Police Department responded to calls of a blue Chevrolet pickup truck that was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of U.S. Highway 175.

Crandall police officers located the wrong-way driver and attempted to get his attention by shining spotlights into his window, but the driver accelerated speed and continued driving.

The wrong-way driver entered the Seagoville city limits and traveled eastbound on Highway 175. As the driver approached the intersection of FM 138, he collided with a Toyota sedan which was then hit by a green Dodge pickup traveling in the correct direction.

Ana Guzman DePena, Jessica Pena Guzman and Jessica’s 2-year-old daughter were in the Toyota sedan. All were killed upon the impact.

The wrong-way driver, now identified as Jose Abel Arriaga Contreras, 25, of Dallas, was airlifted to a Dallas hospital in critical condition. On Thursday, August 18, Contreras was discharged from the hospital and was booked into the Kaufman County Jail on three charges of manslaughter. His bail was set at $1 million on each charge.

The driver of the Dodge pickup, James Dylan Gaddis, 30, of Crandall, did stop to render to the victims and fled the scene. On August 12, Gaddis surrendered to the Seagoville Police Department and was released after posting a bond.

The accident remains under investigation by the Seagoville Police Department.

Common Causes of Automobile Accidents

There are many different reasons why automobile, 18-wheeler, and motorcycle accidents occur, including driver negligence, driver inattention, texting and driving, speeding, fatigue, failure to yield the right of way from a stop sign or private drive, running a red light, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. While the factors listed above are the main causes of most accidents, there may also be other factors involved, which is why it’s important that an investigation be conducted before evidence disappears, especially in cases involving a fatality.  At Joel A. Gordon & Associates, we will act quickly to secure accident scene photos, interview witnesses, obtain police records, and secure other valuable evidence needed to win your case.  Call now for a free consultation.

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