CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Three people are dead after an early-morning car crash on Hwy. 44 near Alice.
Texas Department of Public Safety Staff Sgt. Guadalupe Casarez said Wednesday that the accident, which involved three vehicles, happened at about 7:07 a.m. when a black Volkswagen Jetta stopped in the eastbound lane of the highway in order to help another vehicle parked in the center median having mechanical issues.
A silver pickup, also going eastbound, hit the the Volkswagen, pushing it into the westbound lane.
The Jetta driver, Cindy Moreno, died at the scene. Two children also were in the car at the time of the accident -- one died at the scene, and the other died after being taken to a hospital in Alice.
A vigil honoring the two students and their mother was held at the Agua Dulce Baptist Church.
Friends of the victims held back tears as they shared their memories of Aiden, a 10th grader and Avery, a 7th grader.
"I think the opportunity we have is to be united, in a time of tragedy. I know the Morenos are not alone. For us to be able to support each other and be together, partner together to have our doors open and to offer counseling," said Pastor John Fieck.
A GoFundMe account was shared by Agua Dulce ISD on social media to help the Moreno family through this difficult time.
This is a developing story. Check back with kiiitv.com and 3NEWS for updates.