Mesquite, TX – Fatal I-20 Crash Leaves Four Dead near FM 741

Mesquite, TX (January 1, 2025) – A tragic January 1 overnight crash on I-20 near FM 741 claimed the lives of four individuals from Terrell, Texas. The accident occurred around 2 a.m. when a group of four people was assisting with a flat tire on the shoulder of the interstate.

A vehicle driven by 35-year-old Basilio Mares Ortiz veered off the roadway, striking the individuals before crashing into a ditch. The victims, identified as 47-year-old Arturo Martinez Gonzalez, 19-year-old Anthony Hernandez, 19-year-old Mario Guajardo De La Paz, and a 15-year-old male, were all pronounced dead at the scene. Ortiz was detained by authorities and charged with four counts of intoxication manslaughter. This devastating incident remains under investigation.

Our condolences go out to the victims’ families during this difficult time.