North Texas man killed, wife injured, while trying to fix flat tire

A routine morning turned tragic for a North Texas family when what began as a flat tire ended in a fatal crash, leaving them shattered.

Silvano Ornelas, Jr., was en route to work early Wednesday morning when he encountered a flat tire near Highway 360 and Trinity Boulevard in Fort Worth, according to his family.

After pulling over and activating his hazard lights, Ornelas called his brother for assistance, followed by his wife to bring his tools.

In a sudden and devastating moment, a vehicle collided into the back of Ornelas’s truck, as recounted by his older sister, Nery Ornelas. She described her sister-in-law’s frantic attempts to reach her husband, who had been thrown from the impact. Tragically, Junior, 37, succumbed to his injuries at the scene, leaving behind two young sons, aged six and seven.

The family revealed that Ornelas’s wife sustained severe injuries, including broken ribs, toes, and spinal injuries, and remains hospitalized.

Fort Worth Police reported that the driver responsible for the crash remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation, with no charges filed yet.

Ornelas implored any witnesses to come forward, seeking answers and justice for her brother’s untimely death.

Described as the caretaker of the family, Ornelas fondly remembered Junior’s unwavering commitment to helping others, regardless of the circumstances.

Reflecting on their final moments together during a weekend cookout, Ornelas cherished the memory of Junior’s joyous presence, now a poignant reminder of the love and warmth he brought to his family, just days before tragedy struck.