Wise County Mother Advocates for Safer Roads After Son's Tragic Death

A Community Mourns a Young Life Lost

• 💔 A grieving mother in Wise County is calling for change after her eight-year-old son, Mateo Rodriguez, was killed in a car accident.
• ⚡ Mateo, described as a "light" and a source of joy, tragically passed away one week ago.

The Fatal Intersection

• 💥 The accident occurred on Highway 114 at Alliance Boulevard in Rome, where Mateo was riding home from school with his grandmother.
• 🚚 A truck struck their vehicle, and despite initial resuscitation efforts, Mateo died en route to the hospital.
• ⚠️ Mateo's mother had previously expressed concerns to TxDOT about the intersection's heavy traffic, high speeds, and obstructed views.

A Mother's Fight for Safety

• ✍️ Mateo's mother has launched a petition on change.org demanding the installation of a traffic light at the dangerous intersection.
• 📈 The petition has already garnered over 9,000 signatures, reflecting strong community support.
• 🐞 A poignant memory shared is of Mateo's excitement over a ladybug stuffed animal he had with him, which was found with him after the accident.

A Plea for Prevention

• 🗣️ The mother is determined to prevent other families from experiencing similar tragedies, stating, "Do not let this happen to another family."
• 🌟 She vows to continue advocating until Mateo's story leads to tangible safety improvements in Wise County.