LAMPASAS COUNTY, Texas — Support has poured in for a Leander teen who is without his family following a deadly crash.
Authorities responded to the crash on U.S. 281 in Lampasas County on Wednesday and discovered two vehicles with extensive damage.
Investigators learned that Arvind Mani was driving on 281 in an SUV with his partner, Pradeepa Arvind, and his 17-year-old daughter, Andril Arvind. According to a GoFundMe for the family, they were headed to the University of Texas at Dallas to help Andril Arvind move in on campus.
State troopers say their SUV was passed by a car traveling at a "very high rate of speed" when a blowout caused the car to lose control and enter a skid. The vehicle crossed over into the northbound lanes of traffic and slammed into the SUV. Everyone inside both vehicles died at the scene.
Meanwhile, the family's 14-year-old son, Adiryan Arvind, was unable to join his family on the trip and had to start ninth grade after the violent crash. Loved ones say they're raising money for him as he faces a difficult road ahead.
"This young boy, with so many dreams and aspirations, needs our help for funeral, legal, and ongoing care including educational expenses," the GoFundMe states. "This will help him to navigate the difficult road ahead along with his uncle’s family living in Austin."
More than 10,000 donations have raised over $500,000 as of Thursday evening.
Meanwhile, authorities identified 31-year-old Jacinto Duran of Copperas Cove as the driver of the car who was killed. An unidentified 23-year-old woman was also in the car at the time of the crash.