SAN ANTONIO, TX – A devastating wrong-way crash early Sunday morning, February 4, 2024, near US Highway 90 and Loop 410, claimed the lives of two drivers, including 43-year-old Thomas Cuellar, also known as Tommy Aaron. The fatal head-on collision occurred around 5:05 a.m., when a black pickup truck, driven by a man in his 40s, was traveling in the wrong direction and crashed into a grey SUV. Both drivers tragically died at the scene before emergency personnel could arrive.

Authorities have not yet released the identity of the second driver, and the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) continues to investigate whether alcohol or impairment played a role in the deadly crash.

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Deadly Wrong-Way Crash Shocks San Antonio Residents

The crash unfolded in the early hours of Sunday morning when San Antonio Police dispatch received multiple 911 calls reporting a black pickup truck traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of US Highway 90 near Loop 410.

According to witness accounts, the truck continued traveling in the wrong direction for approximately a mile before slamming head-on into a grey SUV at high speed. The violent impact left both vehicles completely mangled, with debris scattered across multiple lanes.

San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) and emergency medical services were dispatched immediately, but both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene due to the severity of their injuries.

One of the victims has been identified as 43-year-old Thomas Cuellar, known to family and friends as Tommy Aaron. The identity of the second driver remains unreleased pending notification of next of kin.

Victim: Thomas Cuellar (Tommy Aaron) Remembered as a Loving Family Man

Thomas Cuellar, also known as Tommy Aaron, was a longtime San Antonio resident with deep roots in the community. Friends and family described him as a devoted father, husband, and friend who always brought laughter and kindness wherever he went.

His sister, Maria Cuellar, shared her heartbreak:
“Tommy was our rock. He had the biggest heart and loved his family more than anything. We can’t believe he’s gone. This wasn’t supposed to happen.”

Cuellar was known for his passion for outdoor activities, music, and helping others. His coworkers described him as a hardworking, dedicated individual who was always willing to lend a hand.

The community has rallied around Cuellar’s family, with an outpouring of support on social media. A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with funeral expenses and support his loved ones during this unimaginable loss.

Investigation: Was Alcohol a Factor?

While authorities have not yet determined whether alcohol was a contributing factor, wrong-way crashes often involve intoxicated drivers.

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus addressed the incident, stating:
“We are investigating all possible factors, including impairment, to understand what led to this tragic crash. These types of incidents are preventable, and we urge drivers to stay alert and make responsible choices.”

SAPD officers collected evidence at the crash site, including conducting field sobriety tests on surviving witnesses who may have interacted with the wrong-way driver before the crash. Toxicology reports will be performed on both drivers to determine if alcohol or drugs were present in their systems.

Wrong-Way Crashes in San Antonio: A Growing Concern

San Antonio has seen a disturbing rise in wrong-way crashes, many of which involve intoxicated or impaired drivers. According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Texas reports over 500 wrong-way crashes annually, with more than 50% involving alcohol or drugs.

Community Reacts: Calls for Stronger Road Safety Measures

The tragedy has reignited discussions about road safety measures to prevent similar crashes. Residents have voiced concerns over the need for:

• Increased police patrols on highways during early morning hours.
• More wrong-way detection systems on major roadways.
• Harsher penalties for DUI-related offenses.

A local activist group, San Antonio Families for Safer Roads, issued a statement:
“This is yet another preventable tragedy. We need stronger enforcement of drunk driving laws and better technology to stop wrong-way drivers before it’s too late.”

Funeral Arrangements and Memorials for Thomas Cuellar

Family and friends of Thomas Cuellar have planned a candlelight vigil at Woodlawn Lake Park on Friday evening, where loved ones will gather to celebrate his life and mourn his sudden loss.

Cuellar’s funeral arrangements are currently being finalized, and his family has requested privacy as they process their grief.

Final Thoughts: A Community in Mourning

The deaths of Thomas Cuellar and the unidentified second driver serve as a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of wrong-way driving. As San Antonio police continue their investigation, the community is left grappling with another heartbreaking loss caused by a preventable highway tragedy.

Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident or the moments leading up to the crash to contact SAPD at (210) 207-7273.