FORT WORTH, Texas — The family of Amanda Wright, who was killed by an alleged drunk driver on Loop 820 at White Settlement on Sept. 19, spoke publicly alongside their attorney Thursday afternoon.
On that day, Wright was stuck in traffic while coming home from a Slipknot concert in Dallas when her car was hit by an 18-wheeler driven by 24-year-old Guadalupe Velazquez, who police have since charged with intoxication manslaughter and intoxicated assault with a vehicle for his role in Wright's death.
Police said construction in the area had forced all northbound traffic to be reduced to one lane and it was at a complete stop when Velazquez collided with Wright's car.
According to police, Wright was pronounced dead at the scene and another passenger, who the Wright family said has since been released from ICU, suffered significant injuries.
Police said Velazquez was taken to the hospital and followed by DWI officers who conducted field sobriety tests and determined he was intoxicated. Velazquez also reportedly consented to sample his blood, police said.
"I'd like to say that your act was senseless," Amanda's sister Sarah Wright said at the press conference. "You took a beautiful woman from our family and left her daughters motherless and a sister and an aunt to nieces and nephews that loved her dearly."
According to Wright's family, she has two daughters: a 19-year-old and an 8-year-old.
"She was always there for them both," Sarah Wright explained. "Every day that she could be, she picked them up from school. She was very active in their lives. She enjoyed the family outings and her kids' sports."
Amanda Wright's mother Lou also spoke at the press conference and commented on how dangerous it is to drink and drive, especially behind the wheel of such a large vehicle.
"I can't even fathom that so many people think they can drink and drive," Lou Wright said. "But this was just a bad example of you can't."
According to the Wright family's attorney at Branch & Dhillon Law Firm, Velazquez is currently on an immigration hold and he will not be released during the investigation.
The Wright family and attorney said they are filing a wrongful death lawsuit against EGA Trucking and will seek justice for Amanda.