An eight-year-old Texas boy died in a collision on Friday after a truck ignored a stop sign, colliding with the vehicle in which the boy and his mother were riding.
Thomas Berry, an energetic young boy passionate about baseball, was pronounced dead upon arrival at a Dallas hospital. Paramedics took his mother, Tara Lynn Wright-Berry, 48, to a hospital in Canton, Texas for non-life-threatening injuries.
The accident took place about 11 miles southwest of Canton. Authorities apprehended the driver of the truck, 31-year-old Miguel Castro-Govea, for his alleged role in causing the crash. He also sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was initially taken to the hospital in Canton.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said authorities later charged Castro-Govea with criminally negligent homicide, and he is currently being held in the Van Zandt County Jail.
Law enforcement officials have revealed that both vehicles involved in the accident were 2017 pickup trucks. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with authorities examining the circumstances surrounding the collision. The Texas Department of Safety confirmed that Thomas and his mother were wearing their seat belts.
The devastating loss of Thomas has left the Berry family in deep mourning. Fondly remembered as a vibrant young boy who adored baseball, Thomas played on the Canton Astros coach pitch baseball team. The boy’s family established a GoFundMe page to support them during this difficult time, which has already raised over $25,000.
Recalling Thomas’ positive attitude and caring nature, Jenny Wells-Fain, one of his coaches, spoke highly of the young boy. Wells-Fain recounted an instance where Thomas fearlessly volunteered to step in as the catcher at the last minute, demonstrating his unwavering enthusiasm and dedication to the sport. Thomas’s absence was acutely felt during the team’s first game without him, which became a heartfelt tribute.
As the investigation continues, the community prepares to bid Thomas farewell during a Sunday funeral service in Canton.
