KAUFMAN COUNTY, TX — Authorities are urgently searching for a man wanted in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of 18-year-old Brendan Ivy in Kaufman County last month. The tragic incident has left a Texas family shattered and pleading with the public for help in locating the suspect, who remains on the run.
The fatal collision occurred shortly after 11:00 p.m. on June 13, near the intersection of FM 429 and County Road 346 in northeast Kaufman County. According to investigators, Brendan Ivy was riding his motorcycle home from a restaurant in Terrell when he was struck by a speeding work truck that ran through the intersection without yielding.
Authorities have identified the suspect as 37-year-old Victor Eduardo Mendoza Mondragon. Evidence recovered from the vehicle, which was abandoned at the scene, included multiple alcohol containers, several of which were found empty. After the crash, Mondragon reportedly fled on foot and has not been seen since. Investigators also believe his family has since vacated the Kaufman area, further complicating efforts to locate him.
The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety are asking for the public’s assistance. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information that leads to Mondragon’s arrest and indictment. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 877-847-7522.
A Family Devastated
For the Ivy family, the loss has been heartbreaking. They first learned something was wrong through a location-tracking app.
“I checked Live360. He was in one spot too long, and I went and woke Tad and told him that something was wrong,” said Shanna Ivy, Brendan’s mother. “Tad went to go see what was going on… and Brendan was gone. And the person had fled the scene.”
Tad Ivy, Brendan’s father, added through tears, “He still had his helmet on. He still had all his gear on—his gloves. I held his hand. It’s tough, but there was nothing they could do for him. He was gone instantly.”
Brendan’s older brother, Cameron Ivy, expressed the void his youngest sibling has left behind. “He was the youngest in the family. I can’t walk into his room anymore and mess with him or do any of that,” he said. “We fought like cats and dogs. But I loved the kid to death. And I would gladly trade places with him right now if I could give him a second chance at life. I’d take it on the chin and trade places with him in a heartbeat.”
A History of Tragedy — and a Lack of Accountability
Perhaps one of the most haunting aspects of this case is that Victor Mendoza Mondragon reportedly lost his own 18-year-old son in a tragic electrocution accident several years ago. Now, having allegedly caused another family to endure a similar tragedy, the pain is compounded by his decision to flee.
“For him to then cause a crash that kills somebody else’s son—after he knows what it’s like to lose a child—and then leave Brendan there…” said attorney Geoffrey Schorr, who represents the Ivy family. “I mean, I don’t know what kind of person does that.”
Public Urged to Help
As weeks pass without an arrest, the Ivy family and law enforcement hope that someone—anyone—who knows where Victor Mendoza Mondragon may be will step forward.
“Brendan didn’t deserve this. He was a good kid. He loved his family, he wore his helmet, he did everything right,” said a family friend. “Now his parents are living a nightmare, and the person responsible is still free.”
If you have any information that could lead to Victor Mendoza Mondragon’s capture, please contact Kaufman County Crime Stoppers at 877-847-7522. Tips can remain anonymous, and a cash reward is being offered for actionable leads.
Victim:
- Brendan Ivy, 18
- Killed while riding his motorcycle on June 13, 2025
- Remembered as a loving son and younger brother
Suspect:
- Victor Eduardo Mendoza Mondragon, 37
- Believed to have fled on foot after crash
- Last known to be in Kaufman County
- Considered a wanted fugitive
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