Tornillo, TX — August 9, 2025, Two people were killed and one was injured following a car accident that occurred at around 2:00 P.M. on M.F. Aguilera Rd.

maria loya mayrin perez car accident tornillo tx

According to reports, a head-on collision between a Mazda CX-5, occupied by Maria Loya and Mayrin Perez, and a Nissan Titan occurred in the intersection of  M.F. Aguilera Road and O.T. Smith Road, the cause of which is still being determined.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that Loya was fatally injured and pronounced her deceased, while Perez was critically injured and taken to the hospital where she later succumbed to her injuries. The Nissan driver sustained unspecified injuries and was transported to the hospital. This remains an ongoing investigation and more details mau be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Moments when lives are suddenly lost on the road often leave behind more questions than answers. In the search for clarity, it’s not enough to wait on time to deliver answers—we have to actively ask the right questions.

Did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash?
In any head-on collision, especially one occurring at or near an intersection, the depth of the crash investigation makes a major difference in understanding what really happened. Were precise measurements taken? Did investigators diagram the scene, document the positioning of the vehicles, or use crash reconstruction software to test competing scenarios? A proper investigation should also look into whether either driver may have crossed the centerline, and if so, whether that movement was deliberate, evasive, or unintended. Some officers are highly trained in piecing these puzzles together—but not all departments have the tools or time to go that far.

Has anyone looked into the possibility that a vehicle defect caused the crash?
Whenever a vehicle moves in an unexpected way—drifting into another lane, failing to stop, or accelerating without cause—it’s important to examine whether a mechanical issue was at play. Problems with steering components, brake systems, or even electronic sensors could trigger or worsen a head-on impact. These kinds of failures often leave behind subtle clues that won’t show up unless someone takes the time to inspect the wreckage closely. Without that step, it’s easy to miss a deeper cause.

Has all the electronic data relating to the crash been collected?
Modern vehicles and nearby traffic systems often hold silent witnesses to what happened. Did either vehicle record data about speed, braking, or steering input? Were there any dash cams or nearby surveillance systems that captured the moment of impact or the events leading up to it? Phones and GPS records can also clarify whether a driver was distracted or possibly disoriented. If this data exists and hasn’t been reviewed, there’s a chance the investigation is missing key pieces.

These are the types of questions that help move an investigation from surface-level observation to meaningful understanding. Without them, it’s all too easy to draw the wrong conclusions—or none at all.


Takeaways:

  • Not all crash investigations go deep enough to uncover what really happened.
  • Mechanical issues in either vehicle might have played a role and should be ruled out.
  • Electronic data from vehicles and devices could provide clear insights, if collected.

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