A New Year’s Day street racing accident has left Olivia Silva-Gonzales and her two children without their beloved husband and father.
- Elias Silva-Gonzales
43-year-old Elias Silva-Gonzales, a hard-working custodian at DFW International Airport, was on his way home after working an overnight shift when a speeding Suburban struck his vehicle. Elias was taken to the hospital, where he passed away from his injuries. The driver of the Suburban, a teenager who witnesses say was racing another vehicle, was treated for minor injuries.
Elias is remembered as a family man who did what was necessary to support those he cared for most. Ever grateful, his last moments with his wife before the accident were spent giving thanks for what his family had. Olivia told CBS News that prior to Elias leaving for work, she found him standing in the yard, gazing at the stars. When she asked what he was thinking, “he said he was praying for another good year, happy that we were alive, everybody was okay and in good health.”
Accidents happen; many are avoidable. Street racing is one of those hazardous activities that is unnecessary and puts innocent lives at risk. Dallas saw its share of street racing accidents in 2011. Most of these racers were young men – teenagers and early twenties. Seeing the devastating effects of these sorts of car wrecks at his office every day, accident attorney Jeff Rasansky takes a strong stance on the subject with his own three children. To encourage his teens to drive safely, he created his own safe driving contract for them to sign. Accidents happen, but reckless driving is unacceptable.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Olivia and the rest of the Silva-Gonzales family. May the words Elias’ little daughter shared with her mother continue to bring them home: esta con dios. He’s with Jesus.
