Leonardo Avillaneda, Isaac Lopez and Marvin Xitamul ID’d as 3 of 4 Killed in Encinal Car Crash on Interstate 35 near U.S. Mexico Border

Encinal, Texas (July 6, 2022) – The Texas Department of Public Safety has identified three of the four people killed last week on Thursday in a traffic crash involving a smuggling operation in Encinal.

Leonardo Ramirez Avillaneda, 45, Isaac Cruz Lopez, 27, and Marvin Romeo Xitamul, 27, died in the crash that happened at around 8:28 a.m. Thursday, June 30, on Interstate 35, approximately 40 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border.

DPS said a Jeep Wrangler transporting seven people was being chased by the United States Border Patrol agents heading northbound on Interstate 35.  The Jeep then took an exit at a high rate of speed and lost control before crashing into the back of a parked tractor-trailer at the Loves Travel Stop.

Four migrants in the Jeep were pronounced dead at the scene. Two of the deceased were from Guatemala and one from Mexico.

The driver of the Jeep, who is from the United States, was airlifted University Medical Center in San Antonio in critical condition.

Two other male occupants of the Jeep sustained major injuries in the crash. One of them, who is from Guatemala, was taken to University Medical Center in San Antonio, while the other, who is from Mexico, was transported to Laredo Medical Center.

Further details regarding the collision were immediately provided.

The accident remains under investigation.

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.

To speak with an attorney Click to call: 281-943-5555.