The Midland RockHounds will host a celebration for three individuals whose actions saved the lives of auto accident victims. The celebration will take place during the RockHound’s game on Saturday, July 27, at 6:45 p.m.
The fatal three-vehicle crash occurred on May 6 at FM 1788 and CR 140. Two Schlumberger employees, Jared South and Fernando Chavez, and Joe Bustamante from Capstream Downhole Solutions, stopped to render aid at the crash site.
As they approached a burning Ford F-150, they heard children screaming from inside the twisted truck cab. They worked together to pry open the crushed door with brute strength. “I was prepared to die with those children–I wasn’t leaving,” Bustamante said.
South, Chavez, and Bustamante saved the children and their mother, Brenda Guerrero, who suffered paralysis and is now confined to a wheelchair. The father, Lorenzo Najera, was pronounced dead at the scene. Bustamante suffered smoke inhalation and required treatment.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Najera was driving the Ford F-150 southbound with Guerro, 32, and two girls, ages 3 and 10. He attempted to pass a Schlumberger tractor trailer but struck it, causing him to lose control and drive into oncoming traffic, where he was hit by a northbound Chevrolet 2500. Najera’s vehicle was thrown off the roadway and engulfed in flames.
Steve Ford, a Death Investigator for Midland County, acting in a personal role not affiliated with his official job with Midland County, is volunteering to support this event and working with the RockHounds to honor the heroes. "I'd never seen a wreck site this bad, even as an experienced cop and former military," Ford said. "The truck burned to the ground in a pile of metal. The mother and children’s lives were absolutely saved by these three men, and they are real heroes."
Lyrics Jurado, owner of Capstream Downhole Solutions, told Midland Times, “I was on the phone with Bustamante when the wreck occurred. He told me there’s been a huge wreck and a truck flipped right next to him.”
According to Jurado, Bustamante told him, “‘I’ve got to help’–and then he hung up.”
“I was scared for my friend,” Jurado said. “I’m super proud of him. It’s what I would want someone to do for my family,” he said.
Midland Times is supporting the celebration in partnership with Steve Ford, the RockHounds, and local businesses. Midland Times will publish community photos and stories following the event.