Mother & 1-Year-Old Dies Following Crash

A tragic accident in Channelview, Texas, has left a family shattered after a mother, Crystal Hall Njepu, and her one-year-old daughter passed away when their SUV plunged into the San Jacinto River. Now, a GoFundMe has been launched to support the two surviving children and help cover funeral costs.

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SUV Plunges Into River, Crystal Hall Njepu & 1-Year-Old Daughter Deceased

A heartbreaking accident in Channelview, Texas, has claimed the lives of a mother and her one-year-old daughter, while two other children were miraculously saved from the wreckage. The crash occurred Friday, April 25, around 4:45 p.m. near Market Street and River Haven. Authorities say 39-year-old Crystal Hall Njepu possibly suffered a medical emergency while driving with her three children, causing her SUV to veer off the road and into the San Jacinto River.

According to Collier, from the sheriff’s office, Njepu and the children were in the vehicle traveling westbound on Market Street when the car drifted into the north side of the roadway. “She actually intentionally pulled off the roadway,” Collier said. “That’s for certain.”

Furthermore, a good Samaritan, Agustin Garcia Alvarez, saved the two surviving children—a 5-year-old boy and a 7-year-old girl. The witness bravely jumped into the water, broke a window, and pulled the kids to safety.

More Details On The Case

Authorities added that a nearby camera in the area captured the vehicle moving and then stopping repeatedly. Investigators report that the SUV first came to a brief stop before accelerating off a gravel road, through a grassy area, and into the water. The strong river current quickly pulled the vehicle under a bridge. Tragically, Njepu was found unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene. Her 1-year-old daughter, Annah, was discovered still strapped in her car seat after the vehicle was pulled from the water and was also pronounced dead.

“The vehicle came to an abrupt stop for approximately 1 minute,” the sheriff’s office told USA TODAY on April 29. “Moments later, the vehicle accelerated forward into the grassy area and into the water. The vehicle began to sink at a rapid rate and was also taken by the current under the bridge.”

According to Agustin Garcia Alvarez, the surviving children were trapped in the front passenger seat and the back left of the SUV. Alvarez, who was reportedly on his way home from work, saw the SUV floating in the river. He had a rope in his truck, tied it around his waist, and had another man hold onto it while he dove into the water. As the vehicle submerged, a bystander threw a baseball bat to Alvarez. Though he couldn’t open the car doors, he could hear the children inside, screaming for help. He then broke a rear window and pulled the children out. Alvarez also mentioned that the 7-year-old reportedly knew how to swim slightly, which may have helped the rescue.

What’s Ahead For The Family

According to Collier, the surviving children are in good condition and will be cared for by family members.

“I thank God we were able to save two kids,” Alvarez said. “There’s sadness in the heart because two lives were lost and we couldn’t get it done.”

To help the grieving family, Njepu’s sister has launched a GoFundMe. This is reportedly to raise money for funeral expenses and to provide support for the two surviving children. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.