Basic Facts

Crash date: August 12, 2026

Crash location: F.M. 1776 at F.M. 1219 south of Monahans, TX

People involved:

  • Deyby Ortiz Sr., 35
  • Maria Yanez, 33
  • Unidentified Volkswagen passengers
  • Unidentified Ford driver, 42
  • Unidentified truck driver, 31

Do authorities suspect alcohol played a role in this crash? Unknown

Did authorities recommend criminal charges? Unknown

Do authorities suspect a product defect caused the crash? Unknown

Accident Report

Ward County, TX — August 12, 2026, a child was killed and Maria Yanez and another child were injured in a truck accident at about 7:40 p.m. on F.M. 1776 south of Monahans.

Authorities said a 2017 Ford F-350 was heading south of F.M. 1219 when it allegedly failed to yield, hitting an eastbound 2103 Volkswagen Passat. The impact forced the other vehicle to collide with a 2012 International semi-truck that was towing another truck. The westbound truck had been waiting to turn left.

A 13-year-old Cayanosa boy riding in the Volkswagen died in the crash, while passenger Maria Yanez, 33, and an 11-year-old boy were transported to a Lubbock hospital with serious injuries, according to authorities. Volkswagen driver Deyby Ortiz Sr., 35, and a 10-year-old boy suffered minor injuries.

The Ford driver was seriously injured, authorities said.

The truck driver was not hurt, according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Ward County crash at this time.

How Did This Accident Occur?

Initial reports indicate this crash happened because the Ford pickup failed to yield at a rural intersection, but what if police got it wrong? It doesn’t happen often, but early reports usually are based on one officer’s impressions from the crash scene. A full investigation should provide the grieving family with a clear picture of what happened on F.M. 1776.

Investigators likely will work to reconstruct this accident by poring over vehicle data, physical evidence, witness statements and any available video footage, while cell phone records could show what each driver was doing at the time.

Did you witness this crash? Let me know what you saw in the comment section.

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