Cherokee County, TX — January 26, 2025, Sergio Rivera Gomez was killed due to a single-vehicle car accident that happened around 1:18 a.m. along F.M. 855.
Authorities report that the accident happened north of Jacksonville near the intersection of F.M. 855 and F.M. 3707.

It appears that 21-year-old Sergio Rivera Gomez was in a Dodge Charger going northwest along F.M. 855. The vehicle somehow lost control and ran off-road. There, it crashed into a tree. Rivera Gomez was killed as a result.
There did not appear to be anyone else involved in the accident. Right now, additional details about the accident are unavailable.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
Deadly single-vehicle wrecks like this that happen early in the morning and in a rural area are among the most complex kinds of accidents I get calls about. The reality is authorities are unreliable enough with accident investigations, as they tend to be a low priority. In situations where witnesses may be minimal or non-existent, it’s even more important for authorities to be able to get clear evidence. However, a few key questions can sometimes reveal authorities aren’t actually being as thorough as they need to be.
Did investigators have the time, tools, and training necessary to properly examine the crash? Rural accidents often take longer for emergency responders to reach, and departments with limited resources may not be able to conduct a full accident reconstruction. Were road conditions, skid marks, and potential evasive maneuvers carefully reviewed, or did authorities rely on assumptions?
Did they check for possible vehicle defects? Mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions, steering issues, or sudden tire blowouts could explain why the vehicle left the road. Additionally, if safety systems like airbags or seatbelts didn’t function properly, the outcome may have been worse than necessary. Was the vehicle thoroughly inspected before crucial evidence was lost?
Did they preserve all available electronic evidence? The vehicle’s Engine Control Module (ECM) likely contains data on speed, braking, and steering inputs before impact. GPS records, cellphone activity, and any nearby surveillance footage could also provide valuable insights. Have steps been taken to secure this information before it disappears?
If families feel they’re getting satisfactory answers from authorities, then it’s likely that authorities are going good investigations. However, it things still aren’t adding up, that may be a sign that there should be a second set of eyes on the situation to ensure all of the details are brought to light.