RHOME, Texas — A tragic collision on Highway 287 near Rhome in Wise County on Thursday night has claimed the life of a young woman and left another man hospitalized. The horrific crash, which unfolded around 9:30 p.m., involved a suspected drunk driver and multiple victims, but also highlighted the courage and quick action of an Oklahoma couple who happened upon the scene.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the incident began when a northbound Jeep Cherokee veered off the main road and struck two parked vehicles on the shoulder. The driver then hit a pedestrian standing near the vehicles, before crossing into oncoming traffic and colliding with an SUV, eventually bringing the vehicle to a stop.
Among the witnesses was Sydney Gann, who was traveling with her husband and family when they saw the crash’s aftermath. Without hesitation, the Ganns pulled over and rushed to help. Sydney immediately ran to aid the individuals near the parked vehicles, where she found a man desperately performing CPR on a woman who had been struck directly by the Jeep.
That woman was later identified by authorities as 19-year-old Destiny Quintanilla. Despite the efforts of bystanders and emergency responders, she succumbed to her injuries at the hospital.
As Sydney administered aid at the roadside, her husband quickly took action of another kind. Witnessing the suspect flee the crash site on foot and head uphill, he gave chase. Demonstrating remarkable presence of mind and bravery, he pursued the man and successfully detained him until law enforcement officers arrived. Sydney later recounted that her husband detected the strong odor of alcohol on the suspect during the confrontation.
Texas DPS identified the driver as Alan Schutt, 58. Investigators allege that Schutt was intoxicated at the time of the crash and failed to remain at the scene—two charges that now carry serious consequences. He has been arrested and faces second-degree felony charges of intoxication manslaughter and failure to render aid resulting in death. Schutt was later released on bond, pending further legal proceedings.
Another victim, 20-year-old Mykah Dallas, was also struck in the collision and transported to the hospital. Fortunately, he was treated and released.
The crash has shaken the local community, highlighting the devastating impact of impaired driving and the vulnerability of those who stop to help others on the roadside. Destiny Quintanilla’s death, at just 19, underscores a heartbreaking loss of life, and tributes have begun pouring in on social media from friends and family mourning her sudden passing.
At the same time, many have praised the swift and selfless actions of the Gann family. Their intervention may have prevented further tragedy and played a crucial role in securing justice. While Sydney’s focus was on offering life-saving care, her husband’s courage in restraining the fleeing suspect ensured that he would be held accountable for the events that unfolded.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, but one thing is clear: in a moment of chaos and loss, the compassion and bravery of strangers stood as a powerful reminder of human decency in the face of unimaginable tragedy.