A split-second decision changed lives forever on a quiet Texas Hill Country highway stretch. The May 3, 2025, crash on State Highway 27 near Kerrville claimed three motorcyclists’ lives, left a fourth critically injured and sparked urgent questions about road safety and impaired driving.
A Head-On Collision With Devastating Consequences
At approximately 5:00 PM, a gray Toyota SUV, driven by 25-year-old Jeremy Wasson of San Antonio, veered across the center line of SH 27 into westbound traffic. The SUV struck three motorcycles head-on, a collision type notorious for its lethality, especially for riders.
The victims—Courtney Cortez (25), Cody Cortez (34), and Daniel Cortez Jr. (57)—were pronounced dead at the scene. A female passenger, identified as “Joan” in community fundraisers, survived with critical injuries and was airlifted to a San Antonio hospital.
Eyewitness Brenda Shumpert described the aftermath as “a war zone,” emphasizing the motorcycles’ catastrophic damage. First responders faced “organized chaos,” but their efforts couldn’t undo the irreversible loss of a family.
Impaired Driving Takes Center Stage
Texas DPS swiftly zeroed in on driver impairment. Wasson was arrested and charged with three counts of Intoxication Manslaughter and one count of Intoxication Assault—felonies that hinge on proof of intoxication under Texas law (which includes alcohol, drugs, or a combination).
While toxicology results weren’t publicized immediately—common in ongoing investigations—the charges suggest authorities observed clear signs of impairment, such as erratic driving or behavior.
Wasson posted a $350,000 bond and was released within 24 hours, which stunned many. However, the legal process is just beginning. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years per manslaughter charge and 10 years for assault.
A Family and Community Shattered
The Cortez family’s sudden loss underscores the human cost of crashes, leaving a void in Kerrville’s tight-knit community. Joan’s road to recovery remains uncertain, though early reports noted her condition stabilized by May 5.
In a powerful show of solidarity, locals raised over $20,000 in 48 hours via a GoFundMe campaign for funeral and medical expenses. While obituaries weren’t immediately published, the fundraiser’s success speaks to the family’s deep roots in the area.
The Bigger Picture: Justice and Prevention
As the DPS finalizes its investigation—including toxicology reports and accident reconstruction—the case against Wasson will hinge on cold, hard evidence. But for riders, the lesson is clear: tragedies like this are preventable.
Impaired driving accounts for nearly 30% of U.S. traffic deaths, and motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in crashes than car occupants. While we await legal outcomes, let’s honor the Cortez family by riding defensively, supporting sober driving campaigns, and holding policymakers accountable for safer roads.
Stay sharp out there. Your vigilance could save a life.
