Truly, my heart was heavy with the news of Jacob Rodriguez’s passing. He was 25 years old and from Edinburg, Texas. The accident occurred that Saturday morning in McAllen. I read about it first, and the image remained somewhere in my memory, the whole scene seeming too unreal.
The police reported that the Ford Bronco was found upside down off the side of North Bicentennial Boulevard. This happened around 2 in the morning. The vehicle had collided with a stone fixture and rolled. And I fearfully try to imagine the moment because once I did have a late-night ride with a friend, and from that time on, I remember how one tiny mistake could alter everything. The thought of having a second mind of who was driving and how he/she was driving would dawn in his/her head.
Jacob was pronounced dead on the scene, while the remaining six occupants were all rushed to the hospital with ages ranging from eighteen to twenty-five. The driver was identified as eighteen-year-old Gabriela Nunez Garcia. Police suspect alcohol may have been a factor, which honestly made the whole thing even worse. They are still investigating, and charges of intoxication manslaughter may be leveled. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the McAllen Police Department.
His mother had written that she would keep him in her heart forever. That sent a pause through me. A parent should not have to go through the loss of a child like that.
Remembering Jacob Rodriguez
Jacob Roel Rodriguez was born on May 12th of the year 2000, to parents Michael Acosta Rodriguez and Sonia Barron. He grew up with siblings Michelle and Marco. They were a close family. From what I read, he was the kind of guy who could have everything feel lighter.
Jacob wasn´t merely a runner; he was a son, a brother, an uncle, and a friend who knew how to fill a room with smiles. He graduated from The University of the Incarnate Word with a degree in nursing and worked at Rio Grande Regional Hospital. That, in itself, says so much about the kind of heart he had. Nursing is hard work; it takes genuinely caring people.
They say that he laughed in a way that would make others laugh without really knowing why. Everyone can recount stories of his. His hug made you feel safe in the world. He loved every minute spent with his niece and nephews. Those names are Vicente James, Xavier Ace, and Scarlett Emilia. He is young, yet he played the role of an Uncle so very lovingly.
I have never met him, but reading his life history gave me the impression that he would help you even if he barely knew you. His life ended too early, but the ones cherished will forever be, along with the memories he engraved in everyone’s mind.
His mother, Sonia Barron, his sister Michelle, brother Marco, and niece and nephews survived Jacob. His father, Michael, died before him.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 9 pm. on Thursday, December 4, at Legacy Chapels, South Jackson Road, Edinburg. A rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services are entrusted to Legacy Chapels with utmost care and respect.
Rest in peace, Jacob Roel Rodriguez. You may also be interested in: Belleville And Verona New Jersey Still Feeling The Loss Of Baseball Coach John V Auriemma
