Houston, TX — June 15, 2025, Efrain Gonzalez was killed in a car accident at about 1:40 a.m. on Interstate 10/East Freeway.

Authorities said a 2013 GMC Sierra was heading east when it collided with a 2025 Chrysler Pacifica, causing both vehicles to spin into the median barrier.

GMC driver Efrain Torres Gonzalez died after being flown to a nearby hospital, according to authorities.

Two passengers in the Chrysler, 41-year-old Laura Collins and a 9-year-old girl, suffered minor injuries in the crash, authorities said. The driver was not hurt.

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

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

After serious crashes, it’s natural to wonder how something so sudden could happen, and what details might help prevent the next one. These events deserve more than surface-level answers. They call for a close look at all the moving pieces that can turn an ordinary drive into something life-altering.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? At 1:40 in the morning, visibility and fatigue often complicate investigations, but the time of day also raises the stakes. Was the crash site mapped in detail? Were both vehicles’ paths reconstructed to determine who was moving how fast and from where? It’s not enough to chalk things up to a collision; someone needs to examine if either driver was impaired, distracted, or making evasive maneuvers. In busy counties like Harris, some officers might have top-tier training in crash reconstruction. Others, unfortunately, may not. Whether investigators took the time to apply advanced techniques can make all the difference in understanding what really happened.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash? It’s easy to assume human error played the main role, but cars, especially older ones like a 2013 model, can bring hidden risks. Brake problems, electrical faults or steering issues don’t always leave obvious clues. Even in newer vehicles, like the 2025 Chrysler, software malfunctions or sensor errors could play a role, especially in vehicles with semi-autonomous features. Without a full mechanical inspection of both vehicles, especially the one that crashed hardest, it's impossible to say definitively that everything was working as it should have.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected? Both vehicles likely had electronic control modules that captured data just before the crash: speed, braking, throttle position. That information can show whether either driver tried to avoid the collision or if something else was going on. GPS data could add context to the route and timing, while phone records might indicate distraction. Traffic cameras on I-10 may have captured valuable footage. If investigators haven’t chased down these sources, they’ve missed a critical layer of truth.

Unraveling a crash isn’t just about answering who hit whom. It’s about putting together every piece — mechanical, digital and human — until the full picture comes into focus. Skipping that process means living with assumptions, not facts.

Takeaways:

• Crash scenes need expert-level analysis, not quick once-overs.
• Car problems can hide in plain sight without proper inspection.
• Black box and phone data can reveal truths no one saw.