BEEVILLE, Texas — After a day of fishing on Padre Island, 17-year-old Justin Salcido headed home to Beeville with his friends. After his car stalled out on Highway 358, he was forced to move his car. Shortly after, Salcido was hit and killed by another car.
The teen had a daughter on the way.
"I never thought I'd bury a grandchild," his grandma, Peggy Carter, said.
Family and friends describe the teenager as funny, smart and genuine. They said he had plans to be a pharmacist and an amazing father. In December, he proposed to Bethany Rios, who is pregnant with their daughter.
"I always told him no matter what I'll always be strong for him and our baby," Rios explained.
The A.C. Jones High School student said she is due next week and although she's happy to meet her daughter, it's accompanied by great sadness.
"I can't be real sad right now because I'm not trying to do any harm to our child," she said.
In wake of Salcido's death, the Beeville Independent School District released this statement on Facebook:
"It is with tremendous sorrow that I share with everyone that our very own AC Jones High School student, Justin Miguel Salcido, passed away in a tragic accident early this morning.
Please continue to keep Justin’s family in your prayers as they are needed more than ever at this time. We ask that you respect the privacy of families involved as they mourn this devastating loss.
Also, please be thinking about the strain this tragedy will have on Justin's friends, classmates, staff, parents, and our community. Thank you for your great love, care, and prayers during this very difficult time."
Salcido's grandma, Peggy, said he was incredibly goofy and in love with Bethany. She too, mourns his loss but is thrilled to become a great-grandmother.
"He's a very smart boy, he's a funny boy, he's a crazy boy," Carter described.
Now, the family must find a way to pay for funeral expenses and they are asking for the community's assistance. To help visit this link.