Marianna Pickens-Quiroz and Christopher Vanderslice Killed in Callahan County Multi-Vehicle Crash on State Highway 36

Callahan County, Texas – Two people were killed and several others were injured Sunday afternoon in a head-on collision in Callahan County, 8 miles southwest of Eula, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The fatal crash happened around 2:32 p.m., March 10, on State Highway 36.

DPS said a 2018 BMW driven by 19-year-old Theophilus Heryanto of College Station attempted an unsafe passing maneuver at a high speed and crashed head-on into a 2018 Nissan Versa that was traveling in the opposite direction.

The driver of the Nissan, 26-year-old Marianna Elizabeth Pickens-Quiroz from Round Rock, and her passenger, Christopher Scott Vanderslice, also 26, from Hutto, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Following the initial impact, a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by 31-year-old Brandon Scott Runnels of Lubbock rear-ended Heryanto’s BMW.

A 2024 Honda CR-V attempted to avoid the wreckage and struck the debris. The driver, 35-year-old Roberta Elise Gooch from Magnolia, and her juvenile passenger were treated and released at the scene.

Heryanto was taken to Hendrick North Hospital with serious injuries. His passenger, 28-year-old Jinyong Park from College Station, was also taken to Hendrick North Hospital in critical condition. Both were wearing their seatbelts at the time of the crash.

The weather was clear and the roads were dry at the time of the crash.

The crash remains under investigation.

Common Causes of Automobile Accidents

There are many different reasons why automobile, pedestrian, 18-wheeler, bicycle, 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.