The morning was meant to be unforgettable for all the right reasons.
Christmas had arrived, a new puppy had just joined the family, and the backseat buzzed with the kind of laughter that only children can create. As their SUV traveled along Route 53, the holiday felt complete—until a split second changed everything.
Another vehicle appeared too close, moving erratically, its speed unsettling. There was no time to react. In an instant, celebration gave way to chaos.
According to prosecutors, a Hummer driven by 27-year-old Jaquelin Onofre Reyes barreled through traffic, attempting a dangerous pass before striking another car and veering into oncoming lanes.
The collision slammed into the family’s SUV with devastating force. Authorities later reported Reyes’ blood alcohol concentration was .238—nearly three times the legal limit.
Inside the wreckage, 10-year-old Brady was pinned, motionless and unresponsive. His mother’s screams cut through the scene as smoke and twisted metal filled the roadway. Andrew Anderson, a former firefighter who happened to be nearby, rushed forward without hesitation. He reached Brady first, stabilizing him until emergency crews arrived. At the same time, another passerby climbed into the damaged vehicle and carried the frightened puppy to safety.
Brady was rushed to the hospital and later transferred for additional surgery. His siblings and mother also suffered injuries, beginning a long road to recovery that no family anticipates during the holidays. The puppy—once a symbol of Christmas excitement—is now being treated at a veterinary clinic, recovering alongside the family it was meant to grow up with.
Reyes was released under electronic monitoring and is scheduled to appear in court on January 20. For the family and their community, the legal process offers little comfort compared to the weight of what was lost in a moment of reckless choice.
Conclusion
What began as a joyful Christmas memory became a stark reminder of how quickly lives can be altered by one decision. The bravery of strangers and the resilience of a family now stand in contrast to the consequences of impaired driving.
As the family focuses on healing, their story echoes a painful truth: celebration can turn to tragedy in seconds—and responsibility behind the wheel can mean the difference between life and loss.