Police say 21-year-old Jason Salazar was driving fast when he struck the victim, killing him at the scene.
SAN ANTONIO — The night before Thanksgiving is often referred to as “Blackout Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving” due to its reputation as one of the biggest drinking nights of the year. But with the celebrations comes a serious warning: a rise in drinking and driving.
Just days before the holiday, one San Antonio family is mourning the loss of their loved one.
Robert Flores Jr. was killed early Sunday morning while crossing South Flores Street around 2 a.m. The family says he was walking in an area where there is a stop sign for pedestrians.
Police say 21-year-old Jason Salazar was driving fast when he struck Flores, killing him at the scene. According to investigators, Salazar called police and stayed at the scene. Officers believe he was intoxicated and arrested him for intoxication manslaughter.
“He was the first person that I would call every morning,” said his brother, Jon Eric Flores.
The family held a vigil Wednesday night at the sight of the crash. The victim’s father said his son was outgoing, owned his own landscaping business and loved by so many.
“It’s just horrible, knowing you have to bury your oldest son,” Robert Flores said.
Both family members said they want the suspect to be held accountable.
“Not only did he ruin his own life, he ruined ours,” Flores’ brother said. “There are so many people affected by it … you gotta do better.”
The nonprofit FreeRides works to prevent tragedies like this. The organization raises money to pay for ride shares for anyone who needs a safe ride home. They also work directly with bar owners to promote the service.
“Anybody we’ve gotten a ride home, you can assume there’s a possibility we might have saved somebody’s life,” said Richard Veley. “It’s the community helping the community.”
SAPD reports that intoxication manslaughter arrests have more than doubled compared to last year — increasing from six between Jan. 1 and Nov. 24, 2024, to 13 in the same period this year.
Last year, SAPD said they arrested more than 4,300 people for drinking and driving. So far this year, they have arrested more than 3,800.
“People in Bexar County don’t wait for blackout Wednesday, the DWI numbers speak for themselves, which fuels our FreeRides movement,” Executive Director, Azeza Salama said.
Meanwhile, the family is preparing for a funeral. They are holding a plate sale Saturday, Nov. 29 at 12 p.m. at 1518 Huron St.
“I loved him a lot … and I’ll never stop loving him,” Flores’ brother said.