Tragic Collision Claims the Lives of Three in Yoakum County, Texas

Yoakum County, Texas – A devastating accident on the afternoon of November 25, 2023, has resulted in the loss of three lives and left another individual with serious injuries. The incident occurred at approximately 3:37 p.m. on US Highway 82 near Farm to Market Road 769, situated around 14.9 miles southwest of Plains, Texas. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the weather conditions were clear, and the road was dry at the time of the collision.

The victims have been identified as 20-year-old Gage Emijedio Sandoval, 40-year-old Crystal Mendoza, and 43-year-old Javier Esparza Quinonez, all hailing from New Mexico. Sandoval and Mendoza, residents of Carlsbad, were traveling in a 2021 Jeep Compass that collided with a 2023 Ford Edge. Quinonez, a resident of Clovis, was also a passenger in the Jeep. Tragically, all three individuals were pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Ford Edge, identified as 23-year-old Pipper Madalyn Satre from Lovington, New Mexico, sustained serious injuries and was immediately transported to Nor-Lea Hospital District in Lovington for urgent medical attention. Fortunately, two minor passengers, aged 3 and 2, who were also traveling in Satre’s vehicle, emerged from the accident unharmed.

Initial investigations indicate that the Jeep was traveling northbound on FM 769 but failed to yield the right of way at the stop sign where it intersected with US 82. Consequently, the Jeep entered the path of the Ford, which was traveling southwest on US 82, leading to the catastrophic collision.