The community of Taylor is rallying around the family of a six-year-old boy killed after being hit by an out-of-control drag racer on Saturday at Kerrville-Kerr County Airport.
People in the community organized a GoFundMe page to support the family of Daniel Trujillo-Jones, who died at the scene of the crash. Jones is the son of Chance Jones, critically injured during the crash and recovering at Dell Seton Medical Center in Austin.
The GoFundMe supports Delia Trujillo, the mother of Daniel and a 4-year-old boy who was also at the race. A close family friend, who asked not to be identified, said the community of Taylor is devastated by the news, as is the Oasis Church, where the family attended.
The friend told The Lead that Chance Jones held two of his three children when the crash happened. Daniel died near where the car came to rest, eyewitnesses said. The crash also severely injured Jones' partner, Katy Walls, who shares a three-month-old daughter with Jones. Walls remains in critical condition at San Antonio's University Hospital.
Jones and Walls were taken by helicopter to the hospitals in Austin and San Antonio. Kerrville paramedics took the other children to Peterson Regional Peterson Medical Center for treatment.
The friend said Chance Jones took his family to the races in Kerrville. Delia Trujillo was in Taylor when the crash happened.
"I'm just devastated," said the woman, who said she attends church with Delia Trujillo. "I've been crying all day."
Delia Trujillo's sons were at the race when the crash happened on Saturday. Daniel, 6, right, died at the scene, while a four-year-old was uninjured, friends of the family said the little boy had been shielded by his father, who bore the brunt of the crash.
Within 24 hours, there were more than $18,000 in donations to cover funeral expenses. Some of the most significant contributions came from the motorsports community, often a close-knit group competing and working together. A Kerrville-based tow truck company was one of the more than 280 people and businesses donating.
"Please send all good thoughts and prayers to his dad and bonus mom who are recovering in local hospitals, and to his mom who has to make the toughest decisions for their boy," wrote Kary Sabedra, who organized the GoFundMe. "Any and all donations are greatly appreciated, thank you."
Kerrville Police have not formally released the name of the two boys killed, but the GoFundMe account was established Sunday. Kerrville Police said two children, ages three months and four years old, were treated as a precaution.
