DALTON, Ga. — The children of a Georgia couple are raising money with a GoFundMe after their parents were tragically killed Wednesday in Texas in a crash that left eight people in total dead and was caused by a suspected human smuggler.
Dalton, Georgia residents Jose Lerma, 67, and Isabel Lerma, 65, were identified by Texas authorities as the victims in one of the two cars involved in the crash. Six people in the other car, including the suspected smuggler, also died.
"Today we received very shocking news. Our parents had an accident on the way to Mexico and sadly died instantly, leaving our hearts and souls sad but we know that they are with our God now," Jairo Lerma wrote on the GoFundMe page.
11Alive's sister station in San Antonio KENS reported the Texas Department of Public Safety said the crash happened when a Honda - being chased at the time by sheriff's deputies - went around to pass an 18-wheeler and hit an SUV being driven by the Lermas head on.
The car burst into flames and the Lermas were killed instantly, Texas DPS officials said.
"We want to ask for your support from everyone and anyone who has it in their heart to help us with all funeral expenses. These events are things that no one expects, and no amount is too little," Jairo Lerma wrote on the GoFundMe page. "On behalf of the Lerma family, we thank you and may God bless you."
The money from the GoFundMe will go toward funeral expenses for Jose and Isabel Lerma.
News happens fast. Download our 11Alive News app for all the latest breaking updates, and sign up for our Speed Feed newsletter to get a rundown of the latest headlines across north Georgia.
