Texas teen charged in head-on crash that killed 6 relatives- On December 26, 2023, a tragic head-on collision on U.S. Highway 67 near County Road 1119 in Johnson County, Texas, resulted in the death of six family members, including two children, and left one person in critical condition.
The incident involved a 2014 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck driven by Luke Resecker, who was 17 years old at the time of the crash, and a 2021 Honda Odyssey minivan carrying seven passengers, including Rushil Barri, the driver of the minivan, and his family members from Alpharetta, Georgia.
The crash occurred in a “no passing” zone, where Resecker’s truck was traveling south and veered into the northbound lane, colliding head-on with the minivan traveling north. The victims in the minivan were identified as Rushil Barri, 28; Nageswararao Ponnada, 64; Sitamahalakshmi Ponnada, 60; Naveena Potabathula, 36; Krithik Potabathula, 10; and Nishidha Potabathula, 9. The sole survivor, Lokesh Potabathula, 43, suffered severe injuries and was hospitalized in critical condition.
Resecker and his passenger were also taken to the hospital in critical condition. Due to Resecker’s injuries, he was deemed not “medically fit” to be brought to jail. Instead, he was confined to his home and fitted with a GPS monitor. He later posted a $50,000 bond to remain on home confinement.
Authorities found THC wax, a THC vape pen, and marijuana inside Resecker’s vehicle, and a blood test confirmed the presence of THC at the time of the incident. Resecker was charged with six counts of “intoxication manslaughter with a vehicle,” two counts of intoxication assault, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of marijuana.
The victims were returning from visiting the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center when the crash occurred. The family was from India and had been visiting relatives in Texas. The tragedy has left a profound impact on the community, with a GoFundMe campaign started to cover the family’s medical and funeral expenses, raising over $400,000 of its $500,000 goal as of the reporting.
This incident underscores the dangers of driving under the influence and the devastating consequences that can result from such actions. It also highlights the importance of seat belt usage and the need for safe driving practices, as only two of the six family members killed were wearing seatbelts at the time of the collision.
