Two Georgia Residents, Jose Lerma and Isabel Lerma, Killed in Crash Involving Migrants in South Texas

Accident – Death – Obituary News : BATESVILLE, Texas – A tragic incident unfolded on November 8, 2023, when a chase involving migrants in south Texas resulted in the loss of two lives from Dalton, Georgia. The pursuit, which occurred along a highway in south Texas, led to a fatal collision that claimed the lives of eight individuals, including the two Georgian residents.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the incident began when deputies from the Zavala County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop a 2009 Honda Civic suspected of transporting smuggled migrants. Instead of complying with the authorities, the driver of the Civic chose to flee, triggering a high-speed chase. In a desperate attempt to evade capture, the driver of the Honda Civic tried to overtake a semi-truck on a narrow two-lane road, resulting in a devastating collision with a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox.

Tragically, the driver and five passengers of the Honda Civic lost their lives in the crash. The names of the deceased have not yet been released. Additionally, the collision claimed the lives of two individuals from Dalton, Georgia. The victims have been identified as 67-year-old Jose Lerma and 65-year-old Isabel Lerma.

This incident marks the deadliest vehicle crash involving migrants since a collision in remote Holtville, California, in March 2021, where 13 individuals lost their lives. The alarming increase in such incidents prompted the Border Patrol to implement restrictions on vehicle chases earlier this year. While the policy does not outright prohibit pursuits, it provides a framework for evaluating the risks associated with high-speed chases and their potential impact on public safety.

Unfortunately, fatal crashes involving migrants and law enforcement have become a recurring issue in recent years. In June 2022, four migrants were killed in a smuggling attempt following a police chase in the South Texas city of Encinal. These incidents highlight the dangers faced by both migrants and law enforcement personnel in the pursuit of border control.

Texas Department of Public Safety officers have confirmed that several of the deceased passengers in this tragic incident were from Honduras. The identities of those killed will be released to their families prior to public disclosure, as confirmed by Texas DPS spokesman Christopher Olivarez.

As investigations into this devastating crash continue, it is essential to acknowledge the profound impact it has had on the families of the victims and the wider communities they belonged to. The loss of innocent lives in such circumstances serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by illegal immigration and the need for comprehensive border control measures.

The Associated Press contributed to this report..