Melanie Valenzuela Killed in Zapata County Two-Vehicle Crash on US Highway 83

Zapata County, Texas (September 4, 2021) – According to the deputies, one person was killed, and two others were injured Friday morning in a head-on collision in Zapata County.

The deadly accident happened around 6:50 a.m., September 3, on US Highway 83, north of Zapata.

Deputies said a Ford was traveling northbound on the highway when it crashed head-on into a southbound vehicle driven by a 19-year-old woman.

The woman, Melanie Valenzuela, was pronounced dead at the scene. She was a jailer at the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office.

The Ford occupants, a father, and son, who were heading to work at the time of the crash, sustained critical injuries in the crash. They have been identified as Abelardo Dominguez Jr. and Abelardo Dominguez III.

Dominguez Jr., the driver, was airlifted to a San Antonio hospital while Dominguez, III, the son, was taken to a Corpus Christi hospital.

The crash remains under investigation.

Common Causes of Automobile Accidents

While there are many causes of car accidents, the most common reasons of driver negligence include driver inattention; cell phone use; 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 while under the influence of alcohol or drugs,” Attorney Joel A. Gordon said. Mr. Gordon believes that an independent investigation is important. An Attorney will help obtain the crash report, secure accident photos, interview witnesses, and create a claim.

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