Family involved in deadly Gardendale crash shares update

Editor’s Note: The video above first aired on June 27, 2024.

ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- Johnny Garcia, who lost two sons to a devastating crash in Gardendale earlier this summer, shared an update on the health and healing of his loved ones who survived, including his wife, Angie Garcia, and their son Acyen Garcia.

First, Johnny said, “My family and I want to express our most sincere and heartfelt gratitude to everyone who…came together and helped us in this devastating event. There are no words that have or can be said to ease the pain that not only we are going through but the pain of everyone who knew them and who were close to them. We didn’t realize how many people were touched by our sons. For that we are eternally grateful…to everyone who stood by our side at the hospital, who donated, who took care of things at our house, who brought and are bringing meals, and even ones who called and texted, words cannot express our love and appreciation. We cannot single handily name everyone because there are too many and we do not want to leave anyone out. We truly have felt all the love from all the family, friends, community, and associations that our boys were a part of… we are counting our blessings and still trying to stay positive even though it’s hard to do.”

The Garcia family was forever changed on June 25.

According to a crash report, around 1:15 p.m. That afternoon, troopers with the Texas Department of Public Safety responded to the intersection of FM 554 and Cottonwood Road to investigate a two-vehicle crash. Investigators said  the driver of a Chevrolet truck was traveling west on Cottonwood Road toward the intersection of FM 554 and Cottonwood Road while the driver of a GMC Acadia was traveling north on FM 554 towards the same intersection; troopers said the driver of the GMC, 61-year-old Elizabeth Lucille Ertel, of Andrews, proceeded through the intersection and was struck when the driver of the Chevrolet truck, identified as Ashley Danielle Hillin, of Midland, failed to yield the right of way at the stop sign. Both vehicles came to rest on the northwest corner of the intersection in a field.

Both Ertel and Hillian were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Additionally, 41-year-old Angela Garcia, Johnny’s wife, and two of their children, Axell and Acyen, were also taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Tragically, 11-year-old Argen Garcia, died at the scene.

Days later, 16-year-old Axell also succumbed to his injuries and died in a Lubbock hospital.

The family, facing the loss of two of their children, remained in Lubbock while doctors tended to a myriad of injuries sustained by all three remaining members of the family. Now, Johnny said he is counting more blessings as his wife, son, and mother-in-law continue to heal.

“Acyen is doing amazing. Every day we see him improving and we thank God that we have him, and he is with us. As to Lucille’s injuries, she is at home, about to start therapy, we are unsure as to when she will be back to herself physically. As far as Angie’s update, she is improving but we have a long road ahead of us. The extent of her injuries (is) unknown still. We know they are long-term, but we are pushing through. She is a fighter for sure and that is why she is still with us today,” Johnny said.

The family hopes to have a celebration of life honoring Argen and Axell just as soon as everyone is healed.

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