Tony Vasquez Killed in Irving DUI Accident
A 31-year-old man was struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver who fled the scene
Tony Vasquez, 31, was killed in a suspected DUI crash at Cantrell Street and Cibola Drive on June 19, according to the Irving Police Department.
An arrest affidavit states a witness saw the driver run over the victim, who was on a scooter, twice before fleeing the scene. The drivers, identified as Noe Ibarra, later told investigators he knew he hit something but did not realize it was a person.
Paramedics took Vasquez to a nearby hospital with numerous broken bones, damaged organs and severe brain trauma, where he later died.
Ibarra admitted to drinking four to six beers while watching a soccer match before the collision. He faces multiple charges, including intoxication manslaughter.
The victim was a bass player for a local band, and his family is urging the public not to drink and drive.
The crash remains under investigation.
How do criminal charges impact the Irving crash investigation?
While the criminal justice system pursues charges against the driver, independent investigators often conduct parallel reviews to preserve evidence for the victim's family.
In fatal crashes such as this, establishing a clear timeline of events is critical for both criminal and civil proceedings.
Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, said, "Suspected drunk driving crashes are never simple, and injury severity often reflects how fast impaired drivers travel before losing control. Crash reconstruction specialists and event data recorders help piece together speed, braking patterns, and vehicle positioning in moments before impact."
"Families dealing with fatal loss deserve legal counsel that understands how to review forensic findings and pursue every avenue of financial accountability for surviving relatives," added Bond, who is also a national legal analyst for Accident News.
What role does impairment play in Texas traffic death?
When a driver flees the scene after consuming alcohol, families are often left navigating a complex legal framework while grieving a sudden loss.
Individuals involved in DUI incidents may have legal options. Consulting a personal injury attorney can help clarify rights and potential claims.
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.
"In addition to general and special damages, in some instances, a victim in a DUI accident can also sue for punitive damages by filing a civil lawsuit," noted Stefano Formica, a national legal analyst for Accident News and of counsel at Bond Legal.