Semi-truck driver was texting before fatal San Benito crash, DPS says

The scene of a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred Saturday, April 19, 2025, in San Benito. (Courtesy: Texas Department of Public Safety/DPS)

The Texas Department of Public Safety said a man was arrested after an investigation revealed he was texting and driving before hitting another vehicle, which resulted in a death.

Luis Fernando Gonzalez Altamirano, 39, of Mexico, was arrested and charged with criminal negligent homicide. 

According to a news release, the crash occurred Saturday afternoon on FM 1421 and Road 233 in San Benito. 

DPS said a preliminary investigation revealed a blue Chevrolet Aveo, occupied by one man, was traveling southbound on FM 1421 and approaching Road 233, with a red Kenworth semi-trailer also traveling southbound behind the Aveo. 

The scene of a two-vehicle fatal crash that occurred Saturday, April 19, 2025, in San Benito. (Courtesy: Texas Department of Public Safety/DPS)

The driver of the Aveo, identified as 70-year-old Lorenzo Guajardo of San Benito, slowed down to attempt a left turn onto Road 233 but the driver of the Kenworth, later identified as Altamirano, failed to control his speed and hit Guajardo. 

“Through the initial investigation it was revealed the driver of the Kenworth was texting and driving at the time of the crash,” the release stated. 

Guajardo was transported to a local hospital, where he died from his injuries, DPS said. 

As for Altamirano, he was transported and booked at the Cameron County Carrizales-Rucker Detention Center where his arraignment is pending.

DPS said troopers are further investigating the crash.

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