Couple and Their 2 Young Children Hit by Wrong-Way Driver After Leaving Holiday Party

Three members of a Texas family were killed in a devastating wrong-way crash over the weekend, leaving a 3-year-old boy fighting for his life, according to authorities.

The tragedy unfolded around 2 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 20, when deputies with the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office responded to a head-on collision in the 11400 block of South Highway 99.

Investigators say a family of four from Harris County was traveling northbound when their vehicle was suddenly struck by a car going the wrong direction in the northbound lanes.

Lizbeth Rodriguez Contreras, 27, and her 5-year-old daughter, Camila Peña, were pronounced dead at the scene.

Lizbeth’s husband, Diego Peña Jr., 26, and their 3-year-old son were rushed by helicopter to a nearby hospital. Peña Jr. later died from his injuries. Their young son, identified by family members as Dieguito, remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

The wrong-way driver, a 28-year-old woman whose name has not been released, was also airlifted to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, but alcohol may have been a factor. Charges are pending.

Family members have since launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Dieguito, who is now the sole survivor of the crash. According to the fundraiser, the family had been heading home from a holiday party when the collision occurred.

Loved ones described Diego and Lizbeth as devoted parents whose lives revolved around their children. Diego was known as a hands-on father who worked overtime to support his young family, while Lizbeth embraced motherhood wholeheartedly.

Lizbeth was also a beloved fourth-grade teacher at Metcalf Elementary School. Her daughter Camila attended pre-k at the same school, allowing the two to spend nearly every day together. Family members described Camila as a joyful child with a contagious smile who adored being a big sister.

Donations from the fundraiser will go toward Dieguito’s ongoing medical care, as well as funeral and memorial expenses for his parents and sister.