Armandina De Ledezma Killed in Castroville DUI Accident
Alleged intoxicated driver in a Chevrolet Camaro crashed into a GMC Yukon carrying a family
Armandina De Ledezma, 70, was killed in a suspected DUI crash on U.S. Highway 90 East in Castroville, Texas, on Sunday, according to the Castroville Police Department.
A Chevrolet Camaro driven by an allegedly intoxicated drivers crashed into a GMC Yukon carrying a family. The 70-year-old passenger died from her injuries, while two other people in the SUV were hurt.
Authorities suspect the Camaro driver was impaired at the time of the collision.
Police have not released the suspect's name pending the ongoing investigation.
How did the Camaro strike the SUV on U.S. Highway 90?
Investigators are examining the crash scene to determine the exact speed and trajectory of the vehicles before the impact.
In DUI accidents such as this, crash reconstructionists analyze skid marks and vehicle damage to understand how the collision occurred.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Piecing together a suspected drunk driving crash takes patience, since alcohol impairment rarely shows up in one piece of evidence. Blood alcohol testing, search warrants, and vehicle data recorders tell part of a larger story about speed, timing, and driver behavior leading to impact."
"A legal team works alongside investigators to confirm details, protect uninsured motorist claims, and shield surviving relatives from lowball settlement offers," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, 1,053 people died in alcohol-related crashes statewide in 2024.
What are the criminal and civil implications for the driver?
While police pursue criminal charges against the suspected impaired driver, the family of the victim faces a sudden and preventable loss. The criminal justice system focuses on penalizing the offender, but civil claims address the serious impact on the surviving relatives.
The investigation into the driver's toxicology and exact level of impairment remains ongoing.
Texas wrongful death statute
Under Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 71.001, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Texas applies modified comparative fault (51% bar). The statute of limitations is 2 years.
Recoverable damages may include loss of financial support, loss of companionship and consortium, funeral expenses, and mental anguish.
"Pursuing a wrongful death case often requires meeting strict legal deadlines while balancing emotional strain on affected families. Legal counsel manages filing requirements, coordinates all necessary paperwork, and keeps grieving relatives informed throughout each difficult stage of a lengthy process," noted Stefano Formica, a national legal analyst for Accident News and of counsel at Bond Legal.