5 School Friends Died in Car Crash: Who They Were, Last Messages from Their Parents, and Details of the Case

Five young friends were tragically killed in a Texas car accident while on their way to celebrate a birthday. As the investigation continues, their families are left to mourn.

On July 25, 2025, an accident in the Lone Star State claimed the lives of five young Latinas from the Dallas area. All high school friends with Mexican roots, the women were identified as Thalia Salinas, Brianna Valadez, Ruby Cruz, Desiree Cervantez, and Jacqueline Velasco.

The group was heading to Kingsland for Thalia's 23rd birthday celebration. What was meant to be a joyous trip turned into a heartbreaking event that has left their families, friends, and community in shock. Tributes and farewell messages have since flooded social media.

The Burnet County Accident

The collision occurred on U.S. Highway 281, near Park Road 4, in Burnet County. The young women were traveling south in an SUV when a RAM 4500 truck, which was pulling a livestock trailer, crossed into their lane. The truck first hit a Chevrolet Malibu before colliding with their car.

The young women's SUV then flipped and caught fire. According to reports from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the people in the other vehicles involved sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The accident site has been turned into a memorial. A simple cross, hearts bearing their names, and bouquets of flowers line the side of the highway, marking the exact spot where five promising lives were sadly cut short.

Who Were They?

Thalia was the birthday girl. According to her family, she was the group's organizer; quiet but fun with those she trusted. She had recently begun caring for her new nephew and was a central figure in her loved ones' lives.

Brianna, nicknamed Bri, was about to start nursing school that fall. She had an infectious energy and a warm personality that would light up any room. She was famous for her big hugs, and her family described her as the life of the group, adding, "She will always be Daddy's girl."

Ruby's family described her as a loyal and supportive presence. They said her loss had left them "completely devastated," and their grief was impossible to put into words. Many of her friends have also shared tributes on social media and organized fundraising campaigns.

Desiree, nicknamed Desi, had earned a bachelor's degree in science and worked at a law firm. Her family shared that she was compassionate, connected to her faith, and deeply loved by everyone around her. She was the kind of person who showed kindness to strangers and animals alike.

Jacqueline, known as Jackie, was remembered by her family as a charming person with a mix of strength and tenderness. Her sister said that Jackie wasn't just her sibling, but also her best friend. The family expressed gratitude for every prayer and kind gesture they received after her passing.

Tributes on Social Media

Speaking on behalf of Thalia's parents, Zaina Salinas posted a message expressing their profound grief over the tragic loss of their daughter and her four best friends. She said the family was left speechless but deeply grateful for the overwhelming support they received.

Brianna's aunt, Brenda Vazquez, shared a video on Facebook, showing an altar full of flowers and photographs of the five young women. In the post, she wrote, "Fly high, our beautiful angels. B.T.D.D.R.J," in reference to each of their initials.

Desiree's mother, Mac Avila, posted a heartbroken message on Facebook, calling the loss "unreal and unfair." She wrote that her daughter and the other girls were "beautiful souls" who didn't deserve this. She also emphasized that the friends were inseparable.

Furthermore, Desiree’s mother said that her daughter was her first child and best friend. They talked every day on video calls, and Desiree always wanted to see her younger siblings. Mac described the day she heard the news of her daughter's death as the worst of her life.

In the same post, Mac uploaded a screenshot of the last text exchange she had with her daughter just hours before the accident. Desiree wrote, “Thank you, I love you too. I’m still on my way over there. I miss you and I miss my children I can’t wait to have them with me this weekend [sic].”

Desiree's Final Post-Its

Aside from her heartfelt words, Mac's tribute included over ten pictures, some of which revealed the last Post-It notes Desiree had written that her co-workers found. One of her messages was to God, thanking Him for His love and support and stating that her life was meaningless without their connection.

The second note contained a message about coping with life’s challenges, advising to find peace in prayer, face problems head-on, and believe that things are never as bad as they seem.

These notes were a powerful testament to Desiree’s deep faith and beautiful heart, according to her mother.

The Investigation Continues

As of this writing, the driver of the truck transporting livestock has not been publicly identified. Authorities stated that the investigation remains open and that no charges have been filed, and no additional official statements have been issued.

Fundraising campaigns to cover funeral expenses remain active as the families navigate their grief. According to statements gathered by Univision, the parents continue to receive an outpouring of support from the community.