EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — The family and coworkers of a 72-year-old El Paso man killed in a wrong-way crash on Loop 375 are remembering him as a hardworking husband and father while asking anyone with information about the crash to come forward.
Alberto Gonzalez Juarez was killed following a crash on Aug. 14 on Loop 375.
El Paso police say 25-year-old Julian Lujan is accused of driving southbound in the northbound lanes of Loop 375 and hitting Gonzalez Juarez head-on.
Gonzalez Juarez was on his way to work at The Hospitals of Providence East Campus when the crash happened. He was taken to the hospital, where he later died.
Gonzalez Juarez’s son, Jorge Adrian Gonzalez, told KFOX14 his father had come out of retirement about three years ago to continue working and help provide for his wife.
“He was so humble and noble. He loved God and his family, always thinking of and doing good for others,” Gonzalez said.
“He was not famous. He was not a CEO. He was just a simple, hardworking man who impacted so many lives. He’s my role model. I want to be like him.”
Gonzalez said his father did not need to return to work but enjoyed working and providing for his family.
Destiny Venecia reports on Family seeks answers after 72-year-old El Paso man killed in alleged DWI wrong-way crash (Credit: KFOX14)
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According to Gonzalez, his father normally took Interstate 10 to work but changed his route that morning because of a crash on I-10.
“He always went through I-10. That day there was an accident on I-10, so he took a different route,” Gonzalez said.
The family is now trying to navigate life without him, including figuring out how to support Gonzalez Juarez’s wife.
“Even though we don’t understand everything, we’re asking for wisdom in the days to come,” Gonzalez said. “My mom was fully dependent on my dad, so we’re seeking wisdom in how we’re going to take care of my mom in this season.”
According to court documents obtained by KFOX14, a witness found Lujan in his overturned truck following the crash.
The affidavit states the witness told investigators Lujan said he had “messed up” and should have known better because he was a first responder.
Officers reported Lujan had poor balance and later observed bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and the smell of alcohol, according to the affidavit.
Investigators said Lujan provided two breath samples that registered 0.138 and 0.157. Both results are above Texas’ legal blood alcohol concentration limit of 0.08 for drivers 21 and older.
According to the affidavit, Lujan later told investigators he drank two medium-sized beers at a local bar before the crash.
Lujan is charged with intoxication manslaughter.
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As the investigation continues, Gonzalez Juarez’s family is asking anyone who may have information about Lujan’s whereabouts or activities before the crash to come forward.
“If you were in the bar with him before, after — any information is information,” the family said. “It would be good to know. That would help the family and the case.”
Gonzalez Juarez’s coworkers at The Hospitals of Providence East Campus are also remembering the impact he had on those around him.
One former coworker told KFOX14 she remembers Gonzalez Juarez as someone who brought a positive presence to work and often spoke about his wife.
“He was so sweet, always greeting everyone, very uplifting,” she said.
She said his death has been difficult for those who knew him.
“Enough is enough. He was such a kind soul and didn’t deserve this.”
Police say the investigation remains ongoing.
A GoFundMe has been established to help Gonzalez Juarez’s family following his death.
RELATED: 72-year-old dies after wrong-way crash on I-10 in East El Paso
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