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Webb Middle School hosts memorial for eighth-grader killed in East Austin crash
A 15-year-old eighth-grader was honored at a memorial at Webb Middle School Friday. He and his father were killed by a suspected drunk driver in East Austin Sunday evening.
AUSTIN, Texas - Webb Middle School hosted a memorial for eighth-grader Jose Cabrieles Montoya Friday.
Montoya, 15, and his father Jose Cabrieles Saldaña were killed in a crash in East Austin Sunday evening. Three other family members were injured in the crash, including Montoya’s mother, Saldaña’s wife, who was taken to Dell Seton Medical Center with “serious injuries”.
“It breaks [my mother’s] heart, having lost her baby boy and the love of her life,” said Monsé Montoya, who lost both her brother and father in the crash.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the crash occurred when a vehicle driven by Angel Adam Alfonso Casique-Patino, 24, hit the family’s car, at the intersection of Colfax and Imperial drives around 9 p.m.
Casique-Patino was arrested and taken to the Travis County Jail. He is facing three charges: intoxication assault with vehicle serious bodily injury and two counts of intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle.
“Just don't, don't risk [drunk driving.] It hurts others more than it hurts you. I wish, I wouldn't wish this pain on anybody.” said Monsé Montoya.
On Friday, as Webb students honored Montoya’s life, they vowed to never drink and drive.
“Even though [Montoya’s] life was short, he did incredible things. This should help y'all to show awareness and take responsibility for drinking and driving, so no more innocent lives can be taken away.” said one of Montoya’s friends.
Montoya was an AP student and a standout member of the soccer team.
“He made good grades, best of all, he made all people, all the people around him feel special. That was the best quality he had. He was unique. He made me want to come to school every day.” recalled one student.
One teammate recalled their first day of practice together, “I was not feeling confident about soccer. Jose said I was not that bad, just to keep trying and get better. Jose would tell me during my first day of practice that I was doing good.”
“I know it helps me know that his classmates loved him as much as we did. So, I know he wasn't alone here and we won't be alone.” said Monsé Montoya who says her father, and brother shared a “dorky” sense of humor.
She says her father “showed [the family] how we should be treated, and showed us how to treat other people.”
The family is raising money for medical and funeral expenses. They have verified these two GoFundMe accounts here and here.