The Cortez family was heading home after spending the day in San Antonio when they were hit head-on by a suspected drunk driver.
KERR COUNTY, Texas — A suspected drunk driver claimed the lives of three motorcyclists and nearly killed another. It happened in Kerr County on Saturday while the family was riding home from a day out in San Antonio.
Daniel Jacob Cortez spoke to us about his loss. His father, brother and cousin were killed and he narrowly lost his mother.
“We’re a strong family and I see it’s broken and I’m here to pull it back together, kind of like my dad did,” Daniel Jacob said.
The victims were identified by authorities as Daniel Cortez Jr., 57, Cody Cortex, 34, and Cortney Cortez, 25.
“I talked to my dad actually before that and he said ‘Hey, we’re going to go hangout, we’re just going to go on a short ride’,” he said.
He said his family went to Top Golf and the crash happened while they were on the way back to Kerrville. He told his father to be careful in that last phone call on Saturday. He did not realize that would be the last time the two spoke.
“I’m angry,” Daniel Jacob said.
State troopers said around 5 p.m., 25-year-old Jeremy Wasson was driving drunk when he crossed into the westbound lanes on State Highway 27 in Kerr county. He hit the victims head on. However, Daniel Jacob’s mother survived and was rushed to the hospital.
“Her spirits are high right now, she does remember everything,” he said.
He said right now, he is trying to be strong for his family. He describes his brother as a gentle giant, who was a medic in the Army. He said his cousin was a bright, young author.
He added his father was someone he always looked up to.
“He was that man that is there for you, no matter what,” Daniel Jacob said.
Daniel Jacob said when it comes to the suspect arrested, he is leaving it up to God to judge him.
“Do I forgive him? Yeah. Does it hurt? yeah,” Daniel Jacob said. “But I just wish people make better decisions.”
Wasson is out on bond. He is facing three counts of intoxication manslaughter and one count of intoxication assault.
Meanwhile, the family has set up this GoFundMe to help pay for funeral costs and medical bills.