BURNET COUNTY, TX – A devastating head-on collision on the evening of Friday, July 25, 2025, has claimed the lives of five young women, leaving the Burnet County community heartbroken. The crash occurred when a Chevrolet Malibu carrying the victims collided with a truck towing a livestock trailer. The impact was catastrophic, and all five women in the Malibu were pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims of this tragic accident have been identified as:
- Thalia Salinas
- Ruby Cruz
- Brianna Valadez
- Desiree Cervantez
- Jacqueline Velazco
These young women, who were reportedly close friends, were traveling together when the crash occurred. Each of them brought love, light, and laughter into the lives of everyone who knew them. Their sudden loss has deeply shaken not just their families, but the entire region.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the crash took place on a rural stretch of road in Burnet County. The Malibu was traveling in one direction while the truck hauling the livestock trailer was coming from the opposite way. The cause of the collision is still under investigation, with authorities working to determine what led to the tragic head-on impact. The driver of the truck was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening.
Friends and family members have described Thalia Salinas as a compassionate soul with a strong sense of loyalty; Ruby Cruz as vibrant and full of life; Brianna Valadez as joyful and endlessly kind; Desiree Cervantez as a fierce protector of those she loved; and Jacqueline Velazco as intelligent and full of ambition. Together, they shared countless memories, dreams, and a deep bond that made this tragedy even more painful to bear.
A candlelight vigil is being planned in their memory, where the community will gather to celebrate their lives, share stories, and begin the healing process. Local churches, schools, and organizations are offering grief support and counseling services to those affected by the loss.
In a joint statement, the families shared:
“We are shattered by the loss of our girls. Thalia, Ruby, Brianna, Desiree, and Jacqueline were beautiful, loving souls who had their whole lives ahead of them. Their absence leaves a void that can never be filled. We ask for prayers, privacy, and compassion as we try to navigate this unimaginable sorrow.”
As Burnet County grieves, the memory of these five young women will live on—in the hearts of their loved ones, in the laughter they shared, and in the community that now mourns them together.
May Thalia, Ruby, Brianna, Desiree, and Jacqueline rest in eternal peace.
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