SOUTH SIDE – Virginia Alaniz, a cherished grandmother, who was killed by a drunk driver just one day after celebrating her 80th birthday. She was 80.
The accident occurred around 4 p.m. on Sunday near the intersection of S. Presa and the Loop 410 access road, less than a mile from Alaniz’s home. She was seated in the front passenger seat of her daughter’s SUV, waiting at a red light, when a sedan traveling at high speed on the frontage road slammed into the rear of their vehicle. The impact forced their SUV into another car stopped at the light. Alaniz was pronounced dead at the scene, while two family members were hospitalized with injuries.
“One moment someone is here, and the next they are gone,” said her son-in-law, Jesse Arguello, struggling to make sense of the loss. “How does one explain this? How does one come to terms with it?”
The driver responsible for the crash, identified as 51-year-old Roman Deleon, was also taken to the hospital, where tests confirmed he was under the influence of alcohol. Deleon was discharged on Monday and now faces charges of Intoxication Manslaughter and two counts of Intoxication Assault. His bond has been set at $300,000.
Alaniz’s death came just a day after her family gathered to celebrate her 80th birthday. The joyous occasion, filled with mariachi music, laughter, and love, now serves as a bittersweet memory for her loved ones. A mother of six, grandmother to 20, and great-grandmother to nine, Alaniz was the heart of her family.
“She was someone who always prioritized others over herself,” Arguello said. “I cannot envision anyone more generous and loving.”
During the birthday celebration, Alaniz was the center of attention, proudly wearing a crown and sash gifted by her family. “She truly enjoyed it,” Arguello recalled. “The photographs capture the joy she experienced, as well as the happiness of everyone around her. She proudly wore the crown that my wife gifted her, exclaiming, ‘I’ve always wanted a crown.’ She donned the sash and relished being treated in such a special manner. I know she felt the love surrounding her.”
The sudden loss of Alaniz has left a void in the lives of those who knew her. Her family remembers her as a pillar of strength and kindness, always putting others first. Her legacy of love and compassion will live on through her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the pride of her life.
As the family mourns, they are also calling for greater awareness about the devastating consequences of drunk driving. “This didn’t have to happen,” Arguello said. “We hope that by sharing our story, we can prevent another family from experiencing this kind of pain.”
Virginia Alaniz’s life was a testament to the power of love and family. While her passing has left an irreplaceable void, her memory will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her family finds solace in the knowledge that her final days were filled with joy and celebration, surrounded by the people she loved most.
As they navigate this difficult time, they hold onto the cherished moments they shared with her, grateful for the time they had together. Virginia Alaniz will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever remain a guiding light for her family and community.
