Donations are pouring in to support the families of five young women killed in a devastating car crash during a birthday trip in Texas.
The victims — Thalia Salinas, Ruby Cruz, Brianna Valadez, Desiree Cervantez, and Jacqueline Velazco — were identified by KVUE and KTBC. The tragic crash occurred on July 25, and on Aug. 5, CBS News Texas reported that 37-year-old Kody Lane Talley was arrested and charged with five counts of manslaughter. Authorities have not said whether he has entered a plea.
According to KTBC, the women were traveling to celebrate Salinas’ 23rd birthday when a pickup truck towing a livestock trailer allegedly crossed into oncoming traffic. The truck first struck a Chevy Malibu, then collided with a Mercedes SUV carrying the five friends. The SUV overturned and caught fire, killing everyone inside.
Since the accident, multiple GoFundMe campaigns have been launched to help the families.
For Salinas, one organizer wrote, “Thalia was quiet but to those that knew her well she was the funniest person in the room, witty, intelligent, loyal, and the true manager of our household. If you were lucky to call her a friend, she was the best friend you had.”
Cruz’s fundraiser shared, “This sudden and unimaginable loss has left our family completely devastated. The emotional and financial burden is immense, and any help—no matter how small—can make a huge difference.”
Valadez’s family noted she had been preparing to start nursing school, saying, “We will carry Bri’s light with us always, and we will keep telling her story—because she deserves to be remembered for how brightly she lived.”
Velazco’s sister described her as “a light in our lives: loving, strong, fun, and full of grace. Her soul was truly beautiful, and to know her was to love her deeply.”
Cervantez, who worked at a law firm, was remembered as someone who “brought warmth, light, and kindness to everyone she encountered. Her shy, dimply smile was genuine, her heart was sincere, and she had a quiet strength that made a lasting impression on so many of us.”
Collectively, the fundraisers have raised nearly $100,000. According to Fox 4, funerals for the women — friends since childhood — were scheduled for this week.
