EDCOUCH, TX (02/16/2016) — A hit-and-run car accident killed Esteban Ruiz and injured two others on Tuesday morning.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), has identified 53-year-old Esteban Ruiz as the victim of a fatal, multi-vehicle collision that occurred at the intersection of Mile 16 North and Mile 4 West in Edcouch, Texas.
DPS stated that at around 7:30 a.m., a westbound 2011 Nissan Frontier—driven by 33-year-old Alexis Bocanegra—disregarded a stop sign and struck a northbound 2002 Ford Mustang, driven by Ruiz.
After the initial impact, the Mustang was struck by a 2014 Chevrolet Cruze. Bocanegra stopped momentarily, but fled the scene shortly afterward.
Authorities reported that Ruiz was transported to the Knapp Medical Center, where he later died. The driver of the Chevrolet and an infant were both taken to McAllen Medical Center for treatment of minor injuries.
Bocanegra has been charged with criminal negligent homicide, and is currently being held at the Hidalgo County Jail.
Commentary
Statistics show that an estimated 4 people die in the United States each day in hit-and-run crashes. Furthermore, since the year 2000, hit-and-run accidents have increased by 15%. It is never acceptable to leave the scene of an accident you caused, and especially if someone may have been injured. I’m happy to see that the man responsible for this accident will face a judge, although I know this doesn’t do anything to undo the tragedy he is alleged to have caused.
