The following article was written in partnership with a family member of the victims to remember the lives of Emmanuel Lopez Jr. and Juan Moreno.
Cochise County, AZ -- A devastating collision on Interstate 10 westbound near the New Mexico state line claimed the lives of three individuals on Saturday, September 14, 2024. The accident, involving a semi truck and an SUV, occurred around 5:00 p.m. near mile post 391, forcing the closure of westbound lanes for several hours. Upon arrival, firefighters found the cab of the semi fully engulfed in flames. Three of the six victims survived the crash. However, three occupants of the SUV, including Emmanuel and Juan, tragically lost their lives.
The Lopez family was traveling to Glendale, Arizona, to attend the Arizona Cardinals versus Los Angeles Rams game on Sunday, September 15 at State Farm Stadium. Five family members were in the SUV. Emmanuel Lopez Sr., the driver, sustained life-threatening injuries and is currently hospitalized in Tucson. His 14-year-old daughter also survived the crash, suffering a broken rib. She was able to make a 911 call for help. The driver's only son, Emmanuel Lopez Jr., 17, the driver’s brother, Juan Moreno, 25, and the driver's girlfriend (not publicly identified), suffered fatal injuries. The family was from Sunland Park, New Mexico, just outside of El Paso, Texas.
Emmanuel Lopez Jr
Emmanuel Lopez Jr., a football player and senior at Franklin High School in El Paso, was known for his love of football. The El Paso Independent School District stated, "We are deeply saddened that one of our Franklin students passed away yesterday while traveling to Phoenix with his family for a football game. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all those affected during this incredibly challenging time. We encourage everyone to be respectful of the family's privacy, and for our community to come together in support and compassion as we navigate through this loss."
The family says Juan Moreno lit up the room like no one else could with his comedic energy that made anyone laugh. He was the most hardworking, loyal, down to earth man.
The driver of the semi was transported to the hospital. The truck was traveling east on I-10 when it appears that a tire failed on the driver's side which may have caused the driver to lose control and drive through the median before striking the SUV that was westbound. The three victims in the SUV were ejected from the impact.
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