Christmas Joy Turns Into Tragedy

A Christmas morning dream instantly became a roadside nightmare. A new puppy. Two smiling kids. Then, out of nowhere, a Hummer barreled across lanes on Route 53. Metal collided. Glass shattered. In seconds, everything changed.

A Mother’s Worst Fear

Ten-year-old Brady lay limp and silent. His mother screamed his name, panic gripping her voice. Witnesses watched in horror as a stranger ran toward the smoke, rushing to help rather than fleeing.

Reckless Driving and Alcohol

Authorities say 27-year-old Jaquelin Onofre Reyes tried to pass traffic in her Hummer. She clipped another car, crossed into oncoming lanes, and slammed head-on into the family’s SUV. Tests revealed a blood-alcohol content of .238—nearly three times the legal limit.

Heroes on the Scene

Brady was pulled from the wreck, barely conscious. He was rushed to a second hospital for emergency surgery. A former firefighter, Andrew Anderson, ran toward the crumpled vehicles, stabilizing Brady until help arrived. Another Good Samaritan rescued the dazed puppy, carrying it to safety.

Waiting for Justice

Now, as the children recover and the puppy heals at a veterinary clinic, the family faces a new challenge: justice. Reyes walked out of court on electronic monitoring and is scheduled to return before a judge on January 20.