Alexander Romero,Jose Cruz Obituary, Death; – Three teenagers, all students of Klein Independent School District, tragically lost their lives following a police pursuit that lasted 45 seconds. The victims included 16-year-old Alexander Romero and 14-year-old Jose Cruz, both of whom were enrolled at Klein Collins High School, while 14-year-old Christopher Granados attended Klein Oak High School. Klein ISD expressed their condolences, stating, “Our thoughts are with all affected families during this time.”
In addition to the fatalities, three other individuals sustained injuries but survived the incident, which occurred in Spring after a police chase culminated in a fatal collision. The crash took place on Rolling Terrace at Sorrel Ridge Drive in Northwest Harris County on January 2.
According to investigators, Romero was driving a stolen SUV when a deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop. During the brief chase, the vehicle reached speeds of up to 90 miles per hour before crashing into a tree.
Local residents noted that even seasoned drivers have struggled with that particular turn for years. Tragically, just after midnight, a young driver, barely of age, lost control in the curve, resulting in the deaths of himself and two friends.
“It sounded like a significant explosion,” recounted witness Jimmy. “I feel for their parents; mine is about to graduate, and I cannot imagine losing a child. They are in high school, which should be the best years of their lives,” shared a father who was picking up his child from Klein Collins.
The families of the deceased are left in profound sorrow, as reflected in the GoFundMe pages established in their memory. “It is incredibly sad. I have a 17-year-old daughter who attends this school. I felt it immediately. I would not wish such situations on anyone. It is truly heartbreaking,” expressed Mac Miguel, whose daughter is a student at Klein Collins.
“My heart goes out to the parents,” remarked another parent from Klein ISD. “I am astonished that in a large town like this, the only option some find is to steal a car. It is heart-wrenching. My prayers are with the parents and the surviving children. I hope this serves as a wake-up call for them,” added Diana. Authorities reported that none of the boys were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.
