Maria Tambunga and Granddaughter Killed in Highway 163 Ghastly Collision [Ozona, TX]

Maria Tambunga and Granddaughter Killed in Highway 163 Ghastly Collision [Ozona, TX]

Ozona Pursuit Crash Kills Immigrants

Ozona, TX (March 15, 2023) – On March 13, Maria Tambunga, her granddaughter Emilia, and two immigrants were killed following a Highway 163 traffic collision.

At about 8:24 p.m., the Texas DPS responded to a traffic incident on State Highway 163 and the East service road of Interstate 10.

Incident report stated that prior to the officers’ arrival, the Crockett County Sheriff’s Office was attempting to do a traffic stop on a 2021 Dodge Ram 1500 for speeding. 

Responding officers discovered that the truck had struck a 2019 Ram 1500.

Maria Tambunga and Emilia who were riding the 2019 Ram 1500, and two additional people from the 2021 Dodge Ram 1500, who were identified as illegal migrants, died in the accident. One of the migrants who were killed was a 45-year-old male from Jalpan De Serra, QRO Mexico and the other was a 42-year-old male from San Juan Bautista Tuxtepec, OAK Mexico.

Investigating officers believe that this was a human smuggling operation gone wrong. Neither of the illegal migrants were wearing seatbelts when the crash happened.

Moreover, the driver, identified as Russian Comer, 22, of Bossier City, Louisiana, was transported to Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, where he is in serious condition.

Furthermore, officers investigating the fatal incident said law enforcement attempted to stop the 2021 Dodge Ram for a speeding violation. In spite of this, the 2021 Dodge Ram driver refused to stop, which led to a vehicle pursuit.

Apparently, the 2019 Dodge Ram was southbound on Highway 163 and the 2021 Dodge Ram ran a red light. It continued eastbound onto the service road of Highway 10 at a high rate of speed colliding with the 2021 Dodge Ram.

Meanwhile, Texas DPS is still investigating the deadly collision in Ozona.


Sweet Lawyers extends our deepest to the bereaved of Maria Tambunga, her granddaughter Emilia, and the two killed immigrants. Our hearts are with you through these trying times.


The Pain of Losing a Loved One in a Traffic Collision

Advocates following a tragedy are indeed crucial to the healing process as the aftereffects of a sudden death can feel overpowering.

As a result of the overwhelming emotion, the bereaved may be unable to make informed decisions.  The legal and financial damage that comes from unforeseen loss is tough to juggle in the midst of mourning. In addition, the days and months following such a tragedy are the most precarious. 

To the loved ones of Maria Tambunga and Emilia, reach out to us. While you rest and recover, Sweet Lawyers will ensure you obtain the highest settlement possible following the Ozona pursuit crash.

With 40 years of practice, Sweet Lawyers is confident we can tackle your wrongful death or personal injury lawsuit and help you recover. Our legal experts are here to guide you during your legal battle.

Our firm has demonstrated proven results repeatedly. So, call us at (800) 674 7852 for a free consultation. You may also click on this link and start chatting with our online professionals.

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