Fort Bend County, TX – A 3-year-old boy is now orphaned following a tragic wrong-way drunk driving crash on Highway 99 that killed his mother, father, and 5-year-old sister early on Saturday morning, authorities confirmed. The devastating accident occurred as the family was returning home from a Christmas party, leaving the community in shock.
Fatal Wrong-Way Crash on Highway 99
According to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, the family’s vehicle was struck head-on around 2 a.m. Saturday by a motorist driving the wrong way under the influence of alcohol. The collision was violent, and first responders pronounced Lizbeth Rodriguez Contreras, 27, a teacher, and her daughter Camila Pena, 5, dead at the scene.
The father, Diego Pena Jr., 26, and the surviving child, identified by family as Dieguito, were transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital. Tragically, Diego Pena Jr. succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, while Dieguito remains critically but stably hospitalized, undergoing treatment and surgeries to recover from the crash.
Family’s Heartbreaking Loss
Relatives described Dieguito as a “sweet and innocent boy” whose world has been upended in an instant. A GoFundMe campaign created by family members highlighted the overwhelming loss, noting:
“In an instant, Dieguito lost the people who loved him, protected him, and were his entire world. He is currently receiving medical care, will undergo surgeries and continues to fight through recovery.”
The campaign further explained that the surviving child is now surrounded by loving relatives but that the emotional and financial weight of the tragedy is immense, especially as the family arranges funerals for three loved ones while managing the care and future of Dieguito.
Arrest of the Alleged Drunk Driver
The driver of the other vehicle, 27-year-old Majesti Faith Lee, was transported to a hospital by Life Flight and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Police confirmed that alcohol was a factor in the crash.
Lee was arrested on Wednesday and faces multiple charges, including intoxicated manslaughter enhanced to a first-degree felony and one count of intoxication assault. She is currently being held at the Fort Bend County Jail with a bond set at $1,050,000, according to jail records.
Community Response and Support
The tragic crash has prompted an outpouring of grief and support from the local community. Relatives and neighbors are rallying around Dieguito, helping ensure he receives both medical care and emotional support during this unimaginably difficult time.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash and are reminding the public of the dangers of impaired driving, particularly during the holiday season when alcohol-related incidents tend to increase.
How can communities better protect families from wrong-way and impaired drivers? What measures can be taken to prevent tragedies like this during the holiday season? Share your thoughts and support for Dieguito in the comments below.
