A truck driver, who caused a multi-vehicle accident that killed a family of four and another victim, was allegedly sleeping behind the wheel when the fatal incident occurred.
According to CBS News, authorities in Texas said the Saturday, June 28 incident occurred on the I-20. The driver, identified as Alexis Osmani Gonzalez-Companioni, 27, was unaware that traffic was stagnant when he fatally struck a Ford F-150.
Five family members were riding in the Ford F-150, and four of them were pronounced dead at the scene. They were Krishaun and Zabar McKellar, their 15-year-old son Kason McKellar, and 79-year-old Billy McKellar. The lone survivor in the pickup, Evan McKellar, was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
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Two other trucks that were struck got into a jackknife position because of the impact, hitting a Jeep Compass, a Ford Mustang, and a Honda. Authorities said there was a fifth casualty in the Jeep, and that victim was identified as Nicole Gregory, 49.
Gonzalez-Companioni has since been charged with five counts of manslaughter, CBS News reported.
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Evan McKellar’s grandmother, Felicia Luster, expressed her gratitude to the community for their prayers and support in the wake of the fatal incident. She also asked for privacy and said they were praying for her granddaughter.
“First of all, I want to thank [the community] for their prayers and support, and I want everyone to know that there was a survivor, my granddaughter. That she is in the hospital… that we’re praying, and expecting a full recovery, and we thank you all for all of your support, and we just want you to respect our privacy right now as we heal and move forward,” Luster said.
“I want them to be remembered as a loving and devoted Christian family, that loved God and they had a strong faith, and that they loved their family, and that they were good parents and they raised their children in the fear and admiration of the Lord.”
A GoFundMe has since been set up to help raise funds for the grieving family. “This unimaginable tragedy has deeply touched the hearts of many, and we are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming love, prayers, and support shown during this time. So many have reached out asking how they can help or give back to the family in this moment of sorrow,” the fundraiser states.
“This GoFundMe has been created for just that purpose. Whether through donations, kind words, or continued prayers, we appreciate every single gesture. Thank you for keeping the McKellar family in your hearts.”
