A devastating accident has left a Texas family shattered after their car was struck by an alleged street racer while returning from an amusement park in Grand Prairie on Saturday, August 10. The crash claimed the lives of two parents and two of their children, while a third child remains in critical condition.
Jessie Rosales, his wife Lorena, and their children Anthony, 17, Stephanie, 13, and Angel, 6, were involved in the tragic incident when their Chevy Traverse was struck by a speeding Dodge Charger. The family was on their way home after spending the day at Texas Six Flags and having dinner at Panda Express.
According to authorities, two drivers in red and white Dodge Chargers were allegedly racing each other when the Rosales family turned onto a side street. The red Charger, driven by 20-year-old Jaime Mesa, collided with the Rosales’ car at high speed, causing it to flip twice before bursting into flames. Three family members died at the scene, and the fourth succumbed to injuries at the hospital. Anthony, the only survivor, remains in critical condition as of Wednesday, August 14.
A witness, Yvette Acosta, who captured the crash on camera from a nearby gas station, described the horrific scene. “Devastating and very hurtful because a lot of people were trying to help them, and they couldn’t get close to them,” she told KTVT. “I haven’t been able to sleep well. Hearing them and not being able to get them out, it’s very hurtful,” Acosta added.
Jaime Mesa, the alleged driver of the red Charger, is facing multiple charges, including manslaughter, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and racing on a highway causing death. Anthony Morales, 22, who was allegedly driving the white Charger, is also facing charges of racing on a highway causing death and serious bodily injury. Mesa was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Anthony survived the crash because he was thrown from the vehicle, according to a GoFundMe page set up to support him and his surviving siblings, Jessie and Natalie. The fundraiser aims to raise money for the family’s funerals, Anthony’s medical bills, and any legal expenses. As of now, the campaign has raised over $56,000 towards its $100,000 goal.
“His brother Jessie and sister Natalie have stepped up to get him through this physical battle in addition to all the other battles they will face,” the page description reads. “This sweet sibling group has a long, hard road ahead of them physically, emotionally, and financially.”
The children’s aunt, Delia Rosales, expressed the family’s disbelief and grief, telling WFAA, “We cannot believe it. We’re still waiting for my brother to come by. He doesn’t show up. We were always together. Traveling together. Basically, we were all a united family.”