Waco, TX — August 16, 2025, Consuelo Bernabe was killed as the result of a car accident at around 4:45 a.m. along Jefferson Avenue.

According to initial details about the accident, it took place at the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and University Parks Drive, just off Waco Drive.

Investigators said that 39-year-old Consuelo Bernabe was in a Dodge Caravan traveling along the roadway. For reasons which aren't clear right now, the vehicle lost control and crashed. Due to this, Consuelo Bernabe was killed.

There did not appear to be anyone else involved in the crash. Additional details are unconfirmed at this time.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

One of the biggest challenges following any single-vehicle crash like this is making sure the facts are clear. Unfortunately, these incidents aren't always treated as a high priority. Authorities sometimes move on too quickly or conduct shallow investigations. This can leave families wondering if the victim's side of the story is really being told fairly. I've found some key questions can help gauge how thorough investigations have been.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
Not all responding agencies have the time, tools, or training to dig deeply into single-vehicle crashes. A proper investigation might include mapping the roadway, reviewing skid or yaw marks, and examining how the vehicle came to rest. Without those steps, important clues about whether the loss of control was sudden, gradual, or influenced by another factor may never be documented.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
Mechanical failures—such as brake or steering issues, tire blowouts, or electronic stability system malfunctions—can all cause a driver to lose control unexpectedly. Beyond that, airbags or seatbelts that don’t perform as designed can mean the difference between surviving and not surviving. A prompt inspection of the Caravan is essential to confirm or rule out these possibilities.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
The Caravan’s Engine Control Module (ECM) may contain key data on speed, throttle, braking, and steering inputs in the seconds before the crash. Nearby cameras or cellphone records could also provide context about what was happening. This evidence is time-sensitive and should be secured before it’s lost.

These questions can help serve as a canary in the coal mine. If they're being answered, that's a sign investigators are being thorough. If authorities don't have clear answers, though, the crash may need a second pair of eyes looking things over so nothing important slips through the cracks.

Takeaways:

• Single-vehicle crashes need detailed reconstruction to avoid incomplete conclusions.
• Vehicle or safety system defects may have contributed to the cause or severity.
• ECM data, cameras, and cellphone records are vital to building a clear picture.