Identity of 5th victim in Wednesday two-vehicle crash released
By LYNETTE SOWELL
Cove Leader-Press
The identity of the 5th victim has been released after the early Wednesday morning two-vehicle crash on U.S. 281 north of Lampasas that claimed five lives.
23-year-old Yosilu Gasman Martinez-Lopez of Copperas Cove has been identified as the passenger in a 2004 Cadillac CTS, driven by 31-year-old Jacinto Gudino Duran, of Copperas Cove.
The two were traveling southbound on U.S. 281 in Lampasas County at milepost 406 around 5:45 a.m., when according to the Texas Department of Public Safety press release, the rear right tire of the Cadillac had a blowout.
“Witness accounts reported that the Cadillac had passed them at a very high rate of speed,” said Sgt. Brian Washko with DPS.
The blowout caused the Cadillac to lose control, enter a side skid, and cross into the northbound lanes and into the path of a 2024 Kia Telluride, driven by 45-year-old Mani Arvind, of Leander, Texas.
The Kia struck the passenger side of the Cadillac in the inside northbound lane causing extensive damage to both vehicles.
Also traveling with Arvind was his wife, Pradeepa Arvind, and 17-year-old daughter, Andril Arvind.
All five were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.
According to a family friend, the Arvinds were headed to the University of Texas – Dallas where Andril was to start the fall semester. The friend has set up a GoFundMe account for 14-year-old Adiryan Arvind, who was starting his first day of 9th grade on Wednesday. That link can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-adiryan-arvind-after-tragic-loss/.
“Texas DPS would like to remind drivers to obey posted speed limits while driving. Traveling at an excessive speed greatly increases the probability of being involved in a traffic crash. Also, proper tire maintenance increases safe travels when driving. Poor tread and worn tires greatly jeopardize not only you but everyone that shares our Texas highways.”