Fundraiser and candlelight service to benefit victims’ families, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Our Lady of Lourdes Prayer Garden, 108 NW Fourth Ave., Mineral Wells
Ann Powers
Editor
HOOD COUNTY –Three Mineral Wells High School students were involved in an accident on Farm-to-Market Road in Hood County, claiming one teen’s life and leaving the others injured on May 23, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Jose Hernandez, a MWHS senior, died in the two-vehicle crash that occurred around 10:30 p.m., DPS reports state. He was 18.
The two other students, Korbin Williams, 18, and George Velazquez, 18, were transported to the hospital, DPS Sgt. William Lockridge said. Their conditions were unknown as of press time, Monday.
“Please continue to lift up our students, families and staff in your hearts,” Mineral Wells ISD posted on Facebook. “In moments of great loss, we find strength in coming together. We will walk through this sorrow united—as one Ram Family.”
Troopers said Williams was driving a 2004 Ford Explorer Pickup northwest on FM 4 when he lost control of the truck through a curve and crossed the double yellow lines on the roadway at mile marker 313. A 2024 Kia Telluride, driven by Marlen Banuelos, 34, of Lubbock, struck the pickup, causing damage to the right passenger side.
Samuel Fry, 34, and Amayah Fry, 2, also from Lubbock, were passengers in the Kia, DPS reported. The toddler was taken to Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth. Her condition has not been released.
Reports state all of those involved, except Hernandez, were wearing seatbelts. The little girl was in a child safety seat, Lockridge said. The speed limit is 70 mph on that stretch of FM 4, he added.
Hernandez died from injuries sustained in the accident and was pronounced dead by Justice of the Peace Jeff Kelly.
Counselors will be available at MWHS on Tuesday to provide support, school officials said.
“We ask that you join us in keeping all of the students and their families in your thoughts and prayers during this time of unimaginable grief,” the district posted on social media. “Please continue to keep George, Korbin and their families, friends and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers. We also ask that you continue to keep Jose’s family, friends and loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.”
A fundraiser and candlelight service is scheduled, 5:30-7:30 p.m., at Our Lady of Lourdes Prayer Garden, 108 NW Fourth Ave., Mineral Wells. It will include $10 food plates, restaurant gift cards, a bounce house, AirPod raffles and more. All proceeds and donations benefit the families of the victims.
The crash investigation is ongoing and no other information is available at this time, DPS said.
