In a devastating tragedy that has left the Austin, Texas, community reeling, a family of four was killed in a horrific pileup crash on Interstate 35 on the night of Thursday, March 13, 2025. Natalia Perez, Sergio López, and their two young children, Lylah and baby Diego, were among the five victims who lost their lives when an Amazon 18-wheeler, driven by an allegedly intoxicated man, plowed into traffic, triggering a catastrophic chain reaction involving 17 vehicles. The crash, which occurred just before midnight in the southbound lanes near Parmer Lane, also left 11 others injured, some critically, in what authorities have described as a chaotic and heart-wrenching scene. As the details of this preventable disaster unfold, the loss of this beloved family—known to those close to them as “buena gente,” or good people—has sparked an outpouring of grief and calls for justice.
The crash took place in a construction zone on I-35, an area already narrowed by concrete barriers and lane reductions, where traffic had slowed to a standstill. Witnesses recount a nightmarish sequence of events: an 18-wheeler, reportedly traveling at high speed, barreled into the line of vehicles without any apparent attempt to stop. The impact was devastating, crushing cars and SUVs into one another across a stretch of more than 500 feet. Among the wreckage were the remains of the vehicle carrying Natalia, Sergio, Lylah, and Diego—a family whose lives were extinguished in an instant.
Emergency responders worked tirelessly into the early hours of Friday morning, extracting victims from the twisted metal. Five individuals, including an infant, a child, and three adults, were pronounced dead at the scene, while 11 others were rushed to nearby hospitals, including Dell Children’s Medical Center and St. David’s Round Rock, with injuries ranging from minor to life-threatening.
Authorities have identified the driver of the 18-wheeler as 37-year-old Solomun Weldekeal Araya, a man now facing serious legal consequences. Police arrested Araya at the scene and charged him with five counts of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault. Investigators have confirmed that he showed signs of impairment, though specifics about his blood alcohol level or other substances involved have not yet been released. Adding to the outrage, it has emerged that Araya had a prior speeding violation in North Texas, with a court appearance scheduled for the following week in Wilmer, just south of Dallas, for driving 63 miles per hour in a 35-mile-per-hour zone. The revelation has raised troubling questions about how he was still behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle, particularly one contracted by a corporate giant like Amazon, which relies heavily on its vast logistics network.
The Perez-López family was known for their warmth and kindness, qualities that made their loss all the more unbearable for those who knew them. Natalia and Sergio were devoted parents, raising Lylah, a spirited young girl, and Diego, their infant son, with love and care. Friends and neighbors have described them as a tight-knit unit, always ready to lend a hand or share a smile. Their deaths have left a void that words struggle to capture, and in the wake of the tragedy, a call has gone out for prayer warriors to start a chain of support for their extended family and the other victims. “They were buena gente, a precious family, gone way too soon,” one community member said, echoing the sentiments of many. “We need to lift them up in prayer—descansen en paz.”
As the investigation continues, the National Transportation Safety Board has joined local authorities to examine the circumstances of the crash. Early reports suggest the truck failed to slow as it approached the work zone, a failure that proved catastrophic. Officials are also scrutinizing the design of the construction area itself, questioning whether proper signage and safety measures were in place to protect drivers. Meanwhile, the legal ramifications for Araya could be severe, with experts predicting a lengthy prison sentence if convicted on all charges. The Travis County District Attorney’s Office has already expressed its commitment to seeking justice, stating, “Our hearts ache for the victims, their families, and our community affected by this crash.”
For now, I-35 remains partially closed as crews clear the debris and investigators piece together the events of that fateful night. The community of Austin mourns not just the loss of Natalia, Sergio, Lylah, and Diego, but also the fifth victim, whose identity has not yet been released. The 11 survivors, including children and adults fighting for their lives, remain in the thoughts of many. This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences of reckless actions behind the wheel. As more details emerge, we will continue to follow this developing story, bringing you updates on the investigation, the victims, and the efforts to ensure such a loss never happens again.