Corpus Christi Man and Two Children Killed in Rural Robstown Area Crash

A heartbreaking accident in rural Nueces County has claimed the lives of a father and two of his young children, following a devastating two-vehicle crash southwest of Robstown. The tragic incident occurred Thursday night at approximately 9:44 p.m. at the intersection of County Road 77 and County Road 36. Authorities say a 2019 Ford Ranger, traveling westbound on County Road 36, failed to stop at a posted stop sign and collided with a southbound 2005 Buick Rendezvous, resulting in a collision that has left a family devastated.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the impact struck the Buick on the driver’s side, causing both vehicles to veer off the roadway. Emergency responders arrived quickly to the scene, but the damage was severe. The driver of the Buick, identified as 35-year-old Randy Rubio of Corpus Christi, was pronounced dead at the scene. Rubio was traveling with his three children — ages 12, 5, and 4 — all of whom sustained critical injuries in the crash.

Family members confirmed that the 4-year-old girl, named Eden, succumbed to her injuries early Friday morning at a nearby hospital. The 12-year-old boy, Connor Zapata, also died from his injuries on Sunday. The third child from the Buick remained hospitalized as of the latest reports, with conditions that have not been disclosed publicly. Their injuries ranged from severe trauma to critical condition, highlighting the tragic toll of the accident.

The driver of the Ford Ranger was airlifted by Halo Flight helicopter to Christus Spohn Shoreline Hospital in Corpus Christi. Authorities have not released the driver’s identity or condition, but it is understood that the individual is in critical condition. The incident remains under investigation by the DPS Highway Patrol Office in Corpus Christi, who have not announced any charges at this time.

This devastating crash has left the community mourning the loss of a father and his young children, emphasizing the importance of safe driving and attentiveness at intersections. Family and friends are mourning the loss of Randy Rubio and his children, Eden and Connor, whose lives were tragically cut short in a moment of tragedy. As authorities continue their investigation, this heartbreaking event serves as a somber reminder of the vital importance of obeying traffic laws and exercising caution on the roads to prevent such devastating accidents from happening in the future.