On November 5, 2025, Guadalupe Villarreal, driving an 18-wheeler for Parkway Transport and Scrappy Trucking (hauling potatoes for H-E-B), rear-ended a Nissan Altima carrying four women—Lakeisha Brown, Breanna Brantley, Myunique Johnson, and Taylor White—on southbound U.S. 87 in Texas. The Altima had a flat tire and was slowing in the right lane. All four died from injuries; no criminal charges filed yet, per TxDOT report citing “failed to control speed.”
Key Evidence and Allegations
Dashcam video from a passing car captures the truck closing fast from a distance before violently smashing the sedan, flipping the truck into the median. Audio records witnesses noting the flat tire, then screaming as it happens.
- Lawsuit Claims (26-page complaint): Villarreal drove “fast, inattentive,” distracted likely by cellphone (talking/texting). Failed evasive action, speed control.
- Victims’ Suffering: Families allege women endured “extreme conscious physical pain, mental anguish” before death.
- Defendants: Villarreal, Parkway/Scrappy Trucking, H-E-B (hired/owns Parkway). Seeking phone preservation for inspection.
- Damages Sought: Mental anguish, pecuniary losses, funeral costs, companionship loss.
Legal and Safety Context
This wrongful death suit targets commercial driver negligence under Texas law, emphasizing FMCSA hours-of-service and anti-distracted driving rules (e.g., no handheld devices). Trucking firms face vicarious liability if hiring/supervision lapsed. Video strengthens causation proof. Similar cases often settle pre-trial; updates via Tom Green County court (U.S. 87 location) or news like Law&Crime.
Tragic reminder of why 3,000+ annual U.S. truck crash deaths demand strict enforcement. Thoughts on trucker distractions or this case?
