At the crash site, a teddy bear sits among the debris in a nearby field, serving as a reminder of the innocence lost.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Robstown families are grieving after a devastating week that claimed six lives in two separate crashes.

One of those crashes took the lives of a father and two children, a loss that has shaken the community to its core.

The deadly crash happened Thursday night at the intersection of County Road 77 and County Road 36. Family members say Randy Rubio was driving home with his children after spending the evening at the livestock show carnival when their SUV was struck by another vehicle that ran a stop sign.

Randy Rubio is seen in a family photo holding 4-year-old Eden, with 12-year-old Connor standing in front of him. His cousin, Tracey Zapata, described him as a devoted father whose presence filled any room.

“Randy had a smile that could light up a room. huge beautiful smile, you could never know when he was made or upset regardless, he had that smile. and the kids — Connor — smart boy, smart boy,” she told us by phone.

All three, Randy and the two children were killed in the crash.

At the crash site, a teddy bear sits among the debris in a nearby field, serving as a reminder of the innocence lost.

“It just takes not even a minute to make a complete stop,” said Tracey.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the driver of the other vehicle failed to stop at the intersection before striking the family’s SUV.

The driver of that vehicle was transported by Halo Flight to Christus Spohn Shoreline Hospital where he was last reported in critical condition. 

A third child who was also in the vehicle with Rubio was injured but is now recovering. Family members say she is physically doing well, but grieving the loss of her father and siblings.

The tragedy also hit close to home for first responders.

One of the firefighters who responded that night was Fire Chief Javier Zapata, not realizing at the time he and his team were treating his own nephew Connor.

Connor was a former student at St. Anthony Catholic School in Robstown, where staff and students are now mourning his loss. He attended the school from pre-K through fourth grade.

Principal Anna Gonzalez said teachers and classmates are remembering Connor for his personality and kindness.

“We were just talking with the seventh grade class which had Connor in their classroom, just remembering how funny he could be, he liked to make his friends laugh, just a really sweet kiddo,” said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez said they are praying for the families.

“We are praying for them and that we continue to pray for them as they heal through grief and journey.”

As the family and the wider community continue to grieve, support has poured in from across Robstown.

“From the bottom of our hearts, the prayers are what is getting us through this tragic time,” said Tracey.

As is often the case when communities are rocked by tragedy, residents are stepping up to support neighbors in need.

A benefit plate sale will be held Saturday at O’Reilly’s Auto Parts in Robstown from 10 a.m. until sold out. All proceeds will go directly toward funeral expenses for Randy Rubio and his children.