DPS responded to a fatal crash reported this past Easter Sunday, April 16. {UPDATE: The accident happened in front a home, but did not involve the residents of that address.}According to DPS Sergeant Deon Cockrell, the accident occurred near St Hwy 132 (outside the Devine-Natalia area). A local man, 30-year-old Manuel Gonzales III lost his life in the tragic accident which occurred at approximately 9:40 p.m.
Gonzales was driving a 2006 Yamaha motorcycle, which collided with a 2001 Chevrolet Tahoe. The crash investigation is still ongoing, and no further information was released by DPS.
Many of you might recognize Manuel who worked at the Devine Quick Lube for a couple of years, and his wife Vanessa who works at Devine Health and Rehab. Manuel was a mechanic at heart.
“He loved motorcycles and cars, and he was always fixing something,” a family member said.
According to family members, on the night that the tragedy occurred, Manuel and his family were traveling home after spending Easter Day at grandma and grandpa’s house just a few miles from home. His wife and kids were in the family vehicle, and he was following behind them on his motorcycle that night. The family had to stop at the store, so he went on home, and tragically, his motorcycle and a vehicle that was coming out of a driveway collided. He was just a couple miles from home.
Gonzales leaves behind many loved ones, including his wife Vanessa and their 6 children.
Family members told us, “Vanessa and Manuel have been together for 12 years. She met him when she was 13 years old. He loved her very much, and we could all see that. He had a big heart, and loved his kids, and loved his wife. He did what he had to do to make sure they had what they needed. Once he showed up, you knew it was going to be a night full of jokes and a lot of laughter. Never was there a moment that he didn’t have a smile on his face. He was always ready to help, no questions asked. He loved you the way you were–never was one to judge. We are still in shock. He never knew how to say ‘no’ with whatever it was; he was always willing to lend a hand. He put everyone else before him. He brightened up the room with his appearance.”
Services will be handled through Alta Vista Funeral Home with the viewing and rosary on Monday and the funeral on Tuesday, but times are tentative.
If you would like to make a donation to the family during this difficult time you can do so by contacting Cassandra Gomez at (830) 444-1262 or by mailing a donation in care of PO Box 371, Devine TX. 78016. If you would like to make a donation toward covering final expenses you can contact Alta Vista Funeral Home in Natalia at (830) 665-3330.