Families, Fort Worth officials honor lives lost, first responders in 135-car I-35W crash
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Deadly pileup: Victims and their families are still waiting for answers
In February 2021, six people died and dozens were injured in a pileup of more than 130 vehicles on Interstate 35W north of downtown Fort Worth.
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Cindy Gerred has been dreading the date of Feb. 11 — the one-year anniversary of the death of her 34-year-old daughter, Tiffany — who was one of six people killed in a 135-vehicle crash in the southbound toll lanes of Interstate 35W in Fort Worth last year.
“On any given day, on my long drive home, which takes about 45 minutes, it’s proven to be the saddest part of the day for me,” Gerred said.
The drive is full of memories of her daughter and the pain of the loss since, followed by prayers for strength and guidance, she added.
On Feb. 11, 2021, six families lost a loved one, as hundreds of first responders were dispatched to the crash that spanned over 1,100 feet on the icy toll lanes. A year later, the families and city officials gathered at a nearby park, overlooking the Fort Worth freeway, in memory of the lives lost and to honor the fire, police and emergency personnel who risked their lives to provide service to their community.
Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker announced Feb. 11 will now be recognized as Fort Worth First Responders Day.
The memorial service, which was held at Riverside Park on Friday morning, honored the lives of Tiffany Gerred, of Northlake; Michael Wells, 47, of Justin; Christopher Vardy, 49, of Boyd; William D. Williams, 54, of Saginaw; and Tamara Mendoza, 46, and Aaron Watson, 45, both of Fort Worth.
“We’ve learned a lot of lessons and we will not let your loved ones lie in vain. We will make sure we remember them,” Parker said. “Our hearts all go out to the victims, their families and those affected. And whereas the massive car pileup was one of the worst accidents in Fort Worth history, in the face of this tragedy, we witness incredible bravery, courage and self dedication.”
Parker, joined by Fire Chief James Davis and Police Chief Neil Noakes, emphasized that though lives were lost, they will be remembered forever.
“This could be a day of sadness. This could be a day where we try to forget, but that’s not what this community is about. It’s about coming together,” Davis said. “[Our community] turned out the day after the accident a year ago. They turned out here today.”
Parker and Davis mentioned that the memorial was the idea of the families affected, especially the Gerreds, who wanted to give thanks to the first responders who tried to save their loved ones and rescued dozens of those injured.
But, Davis added, the six lives lost will live on through those who survive them and those who continue to work in public service.
“As horrific that situation, and life changing it was for you, [first responders] take lessons from that day and they will, not just remember it, but they will apply. They will apply the lessons learned from that day to help others,” Davis said. “So when you think about your loved one, don’t ever forget that your loved one has contributed to the future development and the future safety and health of our community.”
At Riverside Park, two benches will now overlook the river and I-35, with plaques honoring the first responders who helped at the scene alongside honors for the lives lost. The benches are meant to serve as a place for reflection and a permanent reminder of the incident, Assistant City Manager Valerie Washington said.
Families of the six individuals who were killed last year were in attendance for the proclamation and memorial, with daughters, cousins and mothers recounting their favorite memories of their loved ones.
“Tamara Mendoza was a very special woman. She was a kind, religious, intelligent, goodhearted woman and much more than I could ever describe,” Marielena De Freites, Mendoza’s daughter, said in Spanish. “It’s hard to accept and understand that the person you loved the most and the person who was always there for you has left this earth. … One day, I will do everything she and I wanted to do together but no longer can. I’ll take care of our family and I will make her feel proud of me from above.”
De Freites’ remarks echoed those made by other family members, including Wells’ daughter, Lauren Quilantan, who recalled her father’s laughter and Paula Fimbres, the cousin of Vardy, who gave thanks to the first responders and said their acts last year give her family solace.
Chief Noakes gave final remarks, urging the families to stay brave in “finding the light … past the pain … and past the sorrow.”
“There’s always light if you’re brave enough to see it,” Noakes said. “Every time we look at this memorial, we remember that light and those lives that are represented. We don’t even realize we reaffirm that their lives still shine bright today. They shine in each and every one of you.”
