Maria Hernandez Dead, Cesar Viramontes-Cocolan Arrested after DUI Crash on Highway 31 East [Smith County, TX]

Maria Hernandez Dead, Cesar Viramontes-Cocolan Arrested after DUI Crash on Highway 31 East [Smith County, TX]

Maria Hernandez Killed, Cesar Efrain Viramontes-Cocolan Arrested after DUI Crash on Highway 31 East and Farm-to-Market Road 2908 [Smith County, TX]
Maria Hernandez Dead, Cesar Viramontes-Cocolan Arrested after DUI Crash on Highway 31 East [Smith County, TX]

58-Year-Old Woman Pronounced Dead after DUI Collision near Farm-to-Market Road 2908

SMITH COUNTY, TX (August 27, 2024) – Early Wednesday, Maria Hernandez died and Cesar Viramontes-Cocolan was arrested after a DUI crash.

Police officers responded around 12:20 a.m., on Highway 31 near Farm-to-Market Road 2908 on August 14th.

Investigators say Viramontes-Cocolan was driving a pickup-truck west on the highway when he veered into the eastbound lanes. As a result, the pickup-truck collided head-on with an SUV driven by Hernandez.

In addition, the driver of an eastbound Brookshire’s 18-wheeler was unable to avoid the collision, and became involved.

Due to the extent of injuries sustained, medics pronounced 58-year-old Hernandez dead at the scene.

Meanwhile, paramedics transported 23-year-old Viramontes-Cocolan to a nearby hospital for further treatment. Per reports, Viramontes-Cocolan stated that his steering wheel malfunctioned while driving.

Following preliminary duties, police say he showed signs of being intoxicated. Consequently, Viramontes-Cocolan was booked into Smith County Jail with a charge of intoxicated manslaughter, and a $250,000 bond.

At this time, authorities released no additional information. The incident remains under active investigation.


Our deepest condolences and sympathies are with the family and friends of Maria Hernandez.


Having strong legal support is crucial after losing someone in a car crash. Contact the wrongful death attorneys at Sweet James today. With 20 years of experience, we know how to help you win your case. Our team understands your situation and is here to help you seek justice and compensation. Call us at 1-844-363-7713 for a free and confidential case evaluation. We are available 24/7 via email, text, and online chat.


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