Jim Wells County, TX — March 7, 2025, Daniel Araujo and Adriana Garza were killed and Eddie Quintanilla Jr. was injured in a car accident at about 3:55 p.m. on State Highway 44.

Authorities said a 2023 Jeep Commander was headed east near Alice when a 2021 Hyundai Elantra pulled out in front of it from F.M. 2507. The Jeep tried to avoid a collision, but it hit the passenger side of the other vehicle. The impact caused the Jeep to overturn, while the Hyundai caught fire.

Hyundai driver Daniel Araujo, 57, was pulled from the vehicle, but passenger Adriana Garza died in the crash, according to authorities. Daniel Araujo died March 16 from injuries suffered in the crash.

Jeep driver Rose Quintanilla, 52, suffered minor injuries in the crash, while passenger Eddie Quintanilla Jr., 26, was seriously injured, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Jim Wells County crash.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the families of those involved are able to get clear and complete answers. A collision at a rural intersection that results in multiple fatalities and serious injuries is never straightforward, and while early reports suggest that one vehicle pulled out in front of the other, there is still much we don’t know. To truly understand what happened on State Highway 44 near F.M. 2507, we need to ask three critical questions that often go unaddressed in the immediate aftermath.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? A T-bone collision followed by a rollover and a vehicle fire presents a complex scene. Did investigators conduct a full reconstruction to determine speeds, timing and visibility at the intersection? Was there adequate signage and sight distance for a vehicle pulling out from the side road? Were road conditions a factor? Intersections like this are often high-risk due to limited visibility or unclear right-of-way, and only a detailed investigation can uncover whether infrastructure or timing played a role in what happened.

Second, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash or its severity? The Jeep Commander reportedly overturned, and the Hyundai Elantra caught fire. Both outcomes demand further scrutiny. Did the Jeep have any stability or suspension issues that made it more prone to rollover in evasive maneuvers? Was there a mechanical failure that limited its ability to brake or steer in time? For the Hyundai, the cause of the fire should be examined closely. Fuel system and electrical defects can turn survivable crashes into fatal ones. Preserving both vehicles and subjecting them to forensic inspection is essential for answering these questions.

Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? Both the Jeep and the Hyundai are recent model vehicles and likely equipped with engine control modules capable of recording valuable pre-crash data: speed, braking input, steering and throttle response. That data can help reconstruct who had the opportunity to stop or swerve and whether those actions were attempted. Additionally, any cell phone records or dashcam footage could help clarify the sequence of events. All of this evidence is time-sensitive and must be secured quickly before it’s overwritten or lost.

This crash demands a full and deliberate investigation. Two people lost their lives, and another was seriously injured, events that have forever changed the lives of the families involved. It’s not enough to rely on initial impressions or assumptions. The community owes it to those affected to dig deeper, ask the right questions and make sure that every piece of evidence is preserved and evaluated. That’s the only way to truly understand what happened.