EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — An El Paso family is mourning René Darío Pérez, 42, who died Monday morning when a semitrailer struck his truck on Transmountain Road.
Pérez’s brother, Rogelio, spoke from Puebla, Mexico, and remembered him as a protective older brother who offered advice and support, according to KINT.
“He always knew that I needed him,” Rogelio said. “He always knew how to give me the words I needed to guide me on the right path.”
According to police, the semitrailer’s driver reported brake failure before crossing an intersection and hitting several vehicles.
Pérez Ramírez died at the scene, and another driver suffered serious injuries.
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Rogelio said their parents had already died, and that losing René has left him feeling without close family. He described his brother as sociable, calm and positive, and said René was always looking for ways to help others.
“Whenever there were problems, he always tried to face them with the best attitude and as positively as possible,” Rogelio said.
Originally from El Paso, Pérez Ramírez played football for years before taking up mountain biking. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife, Brenda, and was the main provider for their household.
Relatives are raising money to help cover funeral expenses. Rogelio said his sister-in-law is handling many of the costs on her own.
As authorities investigate the crash and announce inspections of commercial trucks on Transmountain, Rogelio said he hopes precautions will help keep another family from experiencing a similar loss.
For now, he said, he is trying to stay strong for his own family and hold on to the advice his brother gave him: “Don’t let yourself fall. Don’t give up. Instead, look for a way forward and always do it in the best way possible.”
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