Family, friends remember victims of deadly North Texas crash near Terrell
The 49-year-old North Texas woman killed June 28 in a seven-vehicle crash on Interstate 20 near Terrell had a vibrant spirit and left a lasting impression on those around her, according to her family and friends.
Nicole Gregory of Dallas was one of five people who died when state troopers say the driver of an 18-wheeler fell asleep at the wheel. Gregory’s family has set up a GoFundMe to help cover her funeral expenses.
“Nicole was such a light and her vibrant spirit, joyful presence, and deep love for her family and friends made her unforgettable,” Jessica Gibson wrote in the fundraiser. “She brought warmth, laughter, and love wherever she went.”
Nicole Gregory’s daughter, Hailee Gregory, told KTVT-TV that her mom was her soulmate.
“The last text that I sent her was, ‘I love you and be safe,’” Hailee Gregory told KTVT.
Nicole Gregory’s family said the 49-year-old was on her way to see 1990s cover band The Flannel Pajamas when the accident occurred, KTVT reported.
The driver of the 18-wheeler that caused the multi-vehicle crash, 27-year-old Alexis Osmani Gonzalez-Companioni, of Kissimmee, Florida, was arrested Saturday. He has been charged with five counts of manslaughter and one count of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Gonzalez-Companioni’s semi-truck hit a Ford F-150 pickup truck, causing it to hit two other semitractor-trailers. The suspect’s truck then jackknifed and slid from the right lane to the left, causing a collision with three other passenger cars, DPS officials said.
Gregory was driving a Jeep Compass. She was airlifted to a hospital, but didn’t survive her injuries.
Three generations
The McKellar family, from Fort Worth, were in the Ford F-150 that was struck by Gonzalez-Companioni’s 18-wheeler. Zabar and Krishaun McKellar, their 15-year-old son Kason, and Zabar’s father, Billy McKellar, all died at the scene.
Daughter Evan McKellar, 20, is the only family member to survive the crash in Kaufman County. She was hospitalized in the ICU of Dallas’ Parkland Hospital, according to a GoFundMe.
“This unimaginable tragedy has deeply touched the hearts of many, and we are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming love, prayers, and support shown during this time,” the fundraiser for Evan McKellar states.
The family is asking for privacy and prayers while they grieve, according to North Texas attorney John Nohinek with the Witherite Law Group. The firm has been hired to represent Krishaun McKellar’s family members in the civil case.
“We are doing everything in our power to get every piece (of evidence) preserved so we have it for the future,” Nohinek told the Star-Telegram in a phone interview Thursday.
Nohinek pointed out that three generations were killed in the crash, which he said could have been prevented.
“This was not an accident,” Nohinek said. “This was someone falling asleep at the wheel.”
Hope Trans LLC, the trucking company Gonzalez-Companioni was working for, has had a history of safety violations, according to federal audits.
Going back to 2023, the company has nearly three dozen violations on file with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration for issues related to driver hours of service compliance. Hours of service limits are meant to reduce driver fatigue.
Bishop Rodney McIntosh, a close friend of the McKellar family, told Star-Telegram media partner WFAA-TV that Evan McKellar has a long road to recovery ahead.
“Make sure you keep Evan McKellar lifted up in prayer if you are a person of prayer,” McIntosh said. “It will be greatly appreciated.”
This story was originally published July 5, 2025 at 9:38 PM.
