Wrong-Way Crash in Dallas County Leaves 4 Dead, Including Two Children Ages 4 and 1

Ferris police received a call about a minivan heading in the wrong direction on I-45 Sunday night.

The wrong-way driver, Francisca Fuentes, caused at least two minor crashes from vehicles swerving, trying to avoid hitting her. Fuentes continued driving north, in the southbound lanes of the interstate, leaving Ferris. Seconds later, now in the town of Wilmer, she crashed head-on into an SUV.

Ferris police notified Wilmer officers of the crash in their jurisdiction, just south of Mars Road on I-45. Wilmer police arrived to the scene, minutes after the fatal crash.

Upon arrival, officers found Fuentes and her two children, ages four and one, dead at the scene.

The driver of the SUV, Michael Coyne, had also died. Two teenage passengers in the vehicle were taken to the hospital and are being treated for serious injuries.

Coyne, a Palestine ISD teacher and coach, was with two students returning home from an event when they were hit. The three had just attended a Dallas Mavericks’ playoff game.

According to district officials, the two students were taken to the Mavs game to lift their spirits after suffering a tragic loss. They just lost a loved one in a crash two weeks ago.

Coach Coyne leaves behind a wife and one-year-old daughter.

An investigation is underway to determine whether drugs or alcohol played a part in the crash Fuentes caused.