Fort Bend County Officials Urge Caution After Deadly Highway 99 Crash as Holiday Celebrations Continue
As Christmas Eve arrives and New Year’s Eve celebrations loom, Fort Bend County residents are being urged to pause, plan ahead, and prioritize safety on the roads following a devastating crash on South Highway 99 that has left a family shattered and a community grieving.
According to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched around 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 20, to a major crash in the 11400 block of South Highway 99, just past FM 1464 toward West Airport Boulevard. Preliminary information indicates a family of four from Harris County was traveling northbound when their vehicle was struck head-on by another driver traveling southbound in the northbound lanes.
An adult female, 27-year-old Lizbeth Rodriguez Contreras, and a 5-year-old child, Camila Pena, were pronounced deceased at the scene. The father, 26-year-old Diego Pena Jr., and a 3-year-old child were transported by air ambulance to a local hospital. Pena Jr. later died from his injuries. The 3-year-old child remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.
The driver of the other vehicle, a 28-year-old woman, was also transported by Life Flight with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators believe alcohol may have been a contributing factor, and charges are pending as the investigation remains ongoing.
For many families across Fort Bend County, the timing of this crash is especially painful. With holiday gatherings, late-night celebrations, and increased traffic, law enforcement officials are emphasizing that decisions made behind the wheel can carry irreversible consequences.
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What to Do If You See a Suspected Intoxicated Driver
Residents are encouraged to remain alert and proactive if they encounter a driver who appears impaired. Signs may include swerving between lanes, driving significantly below or above the speed limit, delayed reactions at traffic signals, or nearly striking other vehicles.
If you suspect a driver is intoxicated:
- Put distance between your vehicle and theirs.
- Avoid passing or engaging.
- Call 911 when it is safe to do so and provide the dispatcher with the vehicle’s location, direction of travel, and description.
- Do not attempt to intervene directly.
Reporting a suspected drunk driver could prevent a tragedy and save lives.
If You’ve Been Drinking and Need to Get Home
Equally important is knowing what to do if you find yourself impaired. Fort Bend County officials stress that driving after drinking is never worth the risk—to yourself or to others sharing the road.
If you have been drinking:
- Use a rideshare service or public transportation.
- Call a sober friend or family member.
- Stay where you are until you can travel safely.
- Plan ahead by designating a sober driver before celebrations begin.
The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office reminds residents that one decision—made in a moment—can forever alter the lives of families, friends, and entire communities.
As holiday festivities continue across Fort Bend County, officials are asking residents to look out for one another, make responsible choices, and ensure that celebrations end with everyone arriving home safely.
For ongoing updates related to public safety, road conditions, and community news, residents are encouraged to stay tuned with My Neighborhood News.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
