A 25-year-old Edinburg man is dead and six others were hospitalized after a violent single-vehicle rollover crash in McAllen early Saturday, an incident police believe involved alcohol.
The crash occurred around 2:08 a.m. in the 1600 block of North Bicentennial Boulevard, where responding officers discovered a Ford Bronco SUV overturned off the roadway. According to witnesses, the vehicle struck a stone fixture before flipping over, ejecting or injuring multiple occupants.
Victim Identified; Survivors Hospitalized
All seven individuals inside the SUV were between 18 and 25 years old.
One passenger, 25-year-old Jacob Rodriguez of Edinburg, suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead following the collision. The remaining six occupants sustained injuries of varying severity and were transported to a local hospital for treatment, according to a McAllen Police Department release.
Driver Arrested; Alcohol Suspected
Police identified 18-year-old Gabriela Nuñez Garcia of McAllen as the driver. Investigators say preliminary evidence indicates alcohol was a factor in the crash. Garcia was taken into custody and now faces intoxication manslaughter and additional felony charges. Authorities emphasized they intend to pursue charges against anyone found responsible for contributing to the crash.
Investigation Ongoing
McAllen police are urging anyone with relevant information to contact McAllen Crime Stoppers at (956) 687-TIPS (8477).
The investigation remains active as officers continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
