Tornillo, TX (August 10, 2025) – A tragic collision in far East El Paso County claimed the lives of two women on Saturday afternoon. Just after 2:30 p.m. on August 9, a Nissan Titan and a Mazda CX-5 crashed head-on along O.T. Smith Road near M.F. Aguilera Road.
According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, Maria Escudero Loya, 51, was driving the Mazda with 21-year-old passenger Mayrin Perez. Loya died at the scene, while Perez passed away at an area hospital from her injuries. Both women were residents of the local area.
The driver of the Nissan Titan, whose identity has not yet been released, was transported to a nearby hospital along with a passenger. The driver later died from injuries sustained in the crash.
Authorities have not confirmed whether speed or other factors played a role in the deadly accident. The Texas Department of Public Safety is assisting with the investigation, which remains ongoing. The roadway was closed for several hours as emergency crews worked the scene, causing significant delays in the surrounding area.
We offer our sympathies to the families of Maria Escudero Loya and Mayrin Perez.
Car Accidents in Texas
Fatal crashes are an unfortunate reality across Texas. Thousands of people lose their lives each year on the state’s roadways, with rural and high-speed corridors often seeing the most severe collisions. These sudden tragedies can leave families facing emotional devastation, financial hardship, and an overwhelming legal process.
Below are some of the common consequences families face after fatal crashes:
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Loss of financial support: The sudden death of a loved one can remove the primary source of income, leaving families struggling to pay bills and maintain stability.
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Emotional trauma: The grief of losing a loved one in a preventable crash can cause long-term psychological distress for surviving family members.
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Medical and funeral expenses: Families are often left with costly medical bills from attempts to save their loved one’s life, in addition to funeral and burial costs.
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Loss of companionship: Beyond financial loss, the absence of a spouse, parent, or child deeply impacts the emotional and social bonds within a family.
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Legal challenges: Pursuing justice and compensation after a fatal accident can be overwhelming, requiring strong legal representation to hold the at-fault party accountable.
If you have lost a loved one in a crash, contacting a dedicated Tornillo wrongful death attorney is crucial. A skilled lawyer can guide you through your options, investigate the circumstances, and fight to ensure your family receives the compensation and justice you deserve. Acting quickly can help preserve key evidence that may be vital to your case.
At Salam & Associates, PC, we understand the deep pain and uncertainty that follows a fatal accident. Since 1992, our Richardson-based team has been committed to helping grieving families in Texas and New Mexico hold negligent parties accountable. We offer free 30-minute initial consultations and can meet in Las Cruces by appointment. Our attorneys each have more than a decade of experience handling wrongful death and serious injury cases.
We will listen to your story, address your concerns, and offer trusted guidance through every step. Call Salam & Associates, PC, today at (972) 437-1900 to get started. We will travel to meet you if needed and treat your family with the compassion and respect you deserve.
