Corpus Christi Couple Dies in Interstate 37 Wrong-Way Crash

Corpus Christi Couple Dies in Interstate 37 Wrong-Way Crash

In a tragic sequence of events on Interstate Highway 37 on Monday evening, a fatal wrong-way collision took the lives of two Corpus Christi residents. The crash, which occurred near mile marker 53 just after 7:28 p.m., has shocked the local community, leaving many grappling with the loss of life and raising urgent questions about highway safety and the role of impaired driving.

According to Texas Highway Patrol Staff Sergeant Rob Mallory, the incident began when Junior Velasquez, a 32-year-old San Antonio resident, drove his 2016 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup truck southbound into the northbound lanes. Velasquez’s vehicle collided head-on with a Volkswagen Atlas, driven by 45-year-old Joseph Thompson, who was traveling with his 44-year-old wife, Jessica Thompson, as his passenger. The couple, beloved members of the Corpus Christi community, were on a routine journey northbound when they encountered Velasquez’s truck in the inside lane.

The impact of the collision forced the Volkswagen Atlas off the roadway. It eventually came to a stop against the center median cable barrier, immobilized by the impact. Passersby who witnessed the accident immediately rushed to aid the trapped couple, attempting to pull them from the vehicle. Despite their desperate efforts, the Atlas caught fire, trapping both occupants inside. The vehicle blaze escalated quickly, and neither Joseph nor Jessica Thompson could be rescued in time. The couple was tragically pronounced dead on the scene by Judge Donnie Watkins, marking a somber end to a tragic night.

Following a detailed assessment by law enforcement, Texas Troopers determined that Velasquez was intoxicated at the time of the crash. He was subsequently taken into custody and charged with two counts of Intoxication Manslaughter, a serious offense under Texas law that underscores the state’s firm stance against impaired driving. Sgt. Mallory confirmed Velasquez’s transport to Christus Spohn Hospital in Beeville, where he underwent medical evaluation. Following his clearance, Velasquez was booked into Live Oak County Jail, where he now awaits further legal proceedings.

Intoxication Manslaughter is a charge applied in cases where an individual’s impaired driving directly causes the death of another person. In Texas, this charge is classified as a second-degree felony, which can carry a sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a substantial financial penalty. This incident has become part of an increasing trend in Texas, where the prevalence of wrong-way accidents and intoxication-related crashes are alarmingly high. According to data from the Texas Department of Transportation, wrong-way driving incidents account for a small but disproportionately deadly percentage of roadway fatalities in the state. Many of these crashes, as seen in this case, involve alcohol or drug impairment, highlighting the ongoing issue of intoxicated driving.

The tragic deaths of Joseph and Jessica Thompson have left their family, friends, and Corpus Christi residents in deep mourning. As noted by local officials and residents, the couple was known for their kindness and involvement in community initiatives, with Joseph reportedly active in a community sports league and Jessica volunteering for local charities. The news of their passing has sparked an outpouring of grief, with friends and acquaintances taking to social media to express condolences and share memories of the Thompsons’ impact on the community.

In response to the incident, local authorities have reiterated the importance of road safety and the dangers of impaired driving. Texas officials continue to emphasize that wrong-way crashes are one of the most fatal types of accidents on the road, particularly when combined with intoxication. Various initiatives are currently underway across Texas to improve roadway signage, increase the visibility of alerts for wrong-way drivers, and implement further preventive measures to reduce the frequency of these incidents. Programs like "Drive Sober, No Regrets" by the Texas Department of Transportation are part of ongoing efforts to curb impaired driving through public awareness, enforcement, and community engagement.

As the investigation remains active, officials from the George West Highway Patrol Office continue to piece together the specifics of the collision. Preliminary findings have shown that, despite multiple warning signs and oncoming headlights, Velasquez continued his path in the wrong lane for an extended distance, further underscoring the potential severity of his impairment. 

In addition to intensified efforts by the Texas Department of Transportation to reduce intoxicated and wrong-way driving, state lawmakers are discussing stricter penalties and enhanced enforcement capabilities for wrong-way driving offenses. With the tragic deaths of Joseph and Jessica Thompson as a stark reminder, officials are hopeful these measures will save lives and prevent similar incidents.

This tragic incident has brought the issue of impaired driving into sharp focus for many in Texas, with residents and officials alike advocating for justice for the Thompsons and more preventive steps to ensure the safety of all Texans on the road.