San Marcos — A West Texas wreck that killed the president of Texas State University’s Society of Mexican-American Engineers and Scientists (MAES) has resulted in the postponement of the group’s Science Extravaganza scheduled here Saturday.
Killed was David Leija, 24, of Algoa. The crash also injured two others.
According to the DPS, Leija was a passenger in a 2000 Lexus that crashed and rolled after a tire suddenly lost air on IH-10 in Reeves County about 10 miles west of Balmorrea.
It occurred Sunday at approximately 5:55 p.m. and Leija was pronounced dead at the scene about an hour later. DPS spokeswoman Tela Mange said the speed limit along that stretch of interstate is 80 mph.
Mange said the car was driven by Angela Christine Bazan of New Braunfels, who was not injured. Passenger Crystal Lynn Casillas, 21, of San Antonio was transported to Thomason Hospital in El Paso; Carlos Mendoza Jr., 21, of San Antonio, also a passenger, was taken to Odessa Medical Center.
Mange said the car was eastbound and changing lanes when the left rear tire “rapidly lost air.” The vehicle went into a broadside skid into the south bar ditch before continuing up an embankment and rolling over.
She said one of the occupants was ejected.
Funeral services for Leija were held Thursday in Santa Fe.
MAES member Lizbeth Perez said Leija’s friends were shaken to hear the news. “We’re going to reschedule because his family was like ‘our son is working really hard on this, we would like for it to happen.’”
The MAES Science Extravaganza has been rescheduled for Saturday, March 29.
Local News
February 29, 2008
MAES leader killed
University group puts weekend science event on hold for now
- Local News
-
-
BBB: Be wary of Do-Not-Call scams
Better Business Bureau warns consumers that scammers are making phony phone calls claiming to represent the National Do Not Call Registry.
-
Travis Geo Bee
-
Big drop into drink
-
Teen held for threats
A 15-year-old freshman student at Hays High School remains in juvenile custody after allegedly “making death threats towards other students, teachers and a bomb threat” according to Sheriff Gary Cutler.
-
SMOKE SCARE
- Sales tax rebates continue to climb
- Pilots to discuss issues including election impact
- Rising STAAR: SMCISD getting ready for new state testing system
- Judy Allen announces her bid for re-election
- BBB issues alert on ‘Mo Money’ taxes
- More Local News Headlines
-
BBB: Be wary of Do-Not-Call scams
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
