Hood County, TX — May 23, 2025, Jose Hernandez was killed, Marlen Banuelos, Samuel Fry, George Velazquez, Korbin Williams, and a child were hurt in a car accident.

Authorities reported that the crash took place outside of Mineral Wells along FM 4, and it involved two vehicles.

According to officials, 19-year-old Jose Hernandez and George Velazquez and Korbin Williams, both 18, were in a vehicle going northwest on FM 4. 34-year-old Samuel Fry, 34-year-old Marlen Banuelos, and a 2-year-old were in an SUV in the oncoming lanes. The first vehicle reportedly somehow left its lane, and the vehicles collided.

Due to the crash, Jose Hernandez was killed. Marlen Banuelos, Samuel Fry, George Velazquez, Korbin Williams, and the child in the second vehicle all had reported, unspecified injuries. Right now, additional details about the cause of the accident are unavailable.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

After a crash like this, I think most people want to understand how two vehicles ended up on a collision course. But when all we know is that one vehicle “somehow left its lane,” that’s not enough to explain what really happened. In my experience, the real story often emerges only when we ask the right questions—ones that focus less on assumptions and more on evidence.

First, did investigators have the time and tools to fully examine the crash scene? Two vehicles meeting head-on on a rural stretch of road isn’t always straightforward. Lane position, tire marks, road surface conditions, and even lighting can all play a role. Without a full reconstruction of the scene—including any available video footage or physical evidence—it’s impossible to say with confidence why one vehicle left its lane. If that part of the investigation is rushed or incomplete, it can lead to the wrong conclusions.

Next, has anyone considered whether a vehicle defect contributed to the crash? A sudden steering failure, tire blowout, or brake malfunction could cause a driver to lose control and drift into oncoming traffic. That possibility becomes even more important when young drivers are involved—people often assume the cause is inexperience, but mechanical defects can affect anyone. A proper inspection of both vehicles is critical to rule out this kind of failure.

Finally, has all the electronic data from the vehicles been collected? Many cars today record key information about speed, steering, and braking in the seconds leading up to a crash. If either vehicle had a malfunction or took evasive action, that data can help clarify the sequence of events. But that window for recovery is small, especially if the vehicles are moved or repaired before data is pulled.

Understanding how this crash happened means digging beyond the surface. It takes time, thorough analysis, and a willingness to ask questions that don’t always have easy answers.

Key Takeaways:

• Lane departures must be investigated through detailed scene analysis, not assumptions.
• Mechanical issues could explain loss of control and should be ruled out through inspection.
• Vehicle data can help reconstruct driver actions and mechanical performance before the crash.
• A complete investigation depends on timely access to evidence and the right investigative tools.