Posted on 04/02/2017 9:17:02 PM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
FABENS, Texas (KFOX14) — The family of a construction worker killed on the job makes a plea to the public and extends forgiveness to the driver who hit him.
It's a sight you see often in El Paso, construction work on the side of the road.
On Monday, a crash on Interstate 10 near Van Horn killed two workers and injured two others.
Juan Madrid, 21, from Fabens and Christopher Guerra, 38, from Clint, were killed.
Madrid's family said he grew up in Fabens, and worked hard to help them and his mother, who lives in Mexico.
"He had a big heart, helped out a lot of people, especially the family," said Juan Madrid Sr., his father. "Hardworking young man."
His sisters said Madrid was the life of the party and loved his little nieces.
"Full of life, full of laughter, he was down to earth, very down to earth," said his sister Joanna Madrid.
"He was a very strong and independent guy," said Eliceo Venegas, Madrid's cousin. "He knew how to stay positive in bad moments and he knew how to stay with his chin up."
Madrid had just started working for Eagle Construction about three months ago, after he finished school to become an electrician.
The family said they forgive the driver who started the crash that took Madrid's life.
Texas state troopers said a semi-truck driver hit a truck that was in a work convoy.
That truck then hit a stationary truck that hit and killed Madrid.
"That morning he passed I couldn't stop thinking about my brother," said Joanna Madrid. "He was in my head and I couldn't stop thinking about him and I got that phone call. I couldn't and I still can't believe it."
"His last message to his mom was mom I love you so much," Madrid Sr. said. "I'll be home this weekend. And he never came."
His father, Juan Madrid Sr., is heartbroken but wants this to be a reminder to people to stay alert behind the wheel, and slow down when you see workers on the road.
“You see these people working on the road...please. Please I tell you, I ask you please. Be careful. Be careful. Those people who are working out there," said Madrid. “He had a family, a family to come home to and now he's gone. And to that person we forgive you. I have God in my heart.”
“Drive safe because there's innocent people out there and there's families. Think about the families,” said Juan’s sister Jazmin Madrid. “Even texting or drinking. It doesn't matter what it is, just don't do it.”
The senior Madrid said his son loved his job and dreamed of saving money to help his mom get a new house.
How horrific for the family, Juan’s co=workers, and all the others on the I-10 there at that time.
Chain-reaction accidents are the worst.
Prayers up for all involved.
It’s dangerous work, especially out in the open spaces where drivers may not be as focused as they would in more populated areas.
Prayers for the victims and families.
Dear God, grant peace to these poor people and somehow let them know that their loved ones live on.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.