A family outing turned deadly in Grand Prairie, Texas when a street racer crashed into an SUV, killing four family members and leaving a teenager in critical condition. The accident occurred on Saturday evening, August 10, 2024, as the family returned from Six Flags Over Texas.
Jessie Rosales, his wife Lorena, and their children, Anthony, 17, Stephanie, 13, and Angel, 6, were driving home after visiting the theme park and dining at a local restaurant when a red Dodge Charger struck their Chevy Traverse. According to police and witnesses, the impact caused the SUV to roll multiple times before it caught fire.
Three of the Rosales family members were pronounced dead at the scene, while Lorena Rosales died from her injuries at the hospital. Seventeen-year-old Anthony Rosales was the sole survivor and remains in critical condition, receiving care at a nearby hospital.
Authorities believe the crash was the result of an illegal street race. The driver of the red Dodge Charger, 20-year-old Jaime Mesa, from Irving, Texas, was allegedly racing a white Dodge Charger Daytona driven by 22-year-old Antony Morales when the accident occurred. Mesa, who sustained non-life-threatening injuries, has been charged with four counts of manslaughter, four counts of racing on a highway causing death, and other related charges. Morales, who initially fled the scene, was later apprehended and charged with similar offenses. Both men are now in custody.
Yvette Acosta, an eyewitness to the tragic incident, described the experience of hearing screams coming from the victims’ car. The emotional toll has been overwhelming for her, as she struggles to sleep, haunted by the memory of being unable to help those inside. Acosta, who has lived in the area for 25 years, noted that illegal street racing has become a significant issue recently, particularly along Belt Line Road and 14th Street, where such dangerous activities frequently occur.
According to Grand Prairie police, while the number of street racing cases has declined in the past few years, the problem persists, with 30 arrests and 15 vehicle seizures already recorded in 2024. Dallas County prosecutors have also emphasized their commitment to prosecuting high-speed offenders, utilizing new tools to gather evidence and hold those responsible accountable. Despite these efforts, street racing continues to pose a significant risk to public safety.
The Rosales family, who resided in Garland, Texas, was well-known and beloved in their community. Jessie Rosales was described as a hardworking man who deeply cared for his family, while Lorena was known for her kindness and dedication to her children. The primary concern now is supporting Anthony Rosales and his surviving siblings, Jessie Jr. and Natalie, who were not in the car during the crash. The story on a GoFundMe page created to assist Anthony and cover funeral costs for the family emphasizes the difficult journey ahead for the siblings, both physically and emotionally. The fundraiser had raised over $50,000. The page highlights how Jessie and Natalie are responsible for helping Anthony through his recovery and the challenges they all face.
