FAYETTE COUNTY, Tennessee – A newly married couple’s journey to their long-awaited honeymoon took a devastating turn when a car accident claimed the life of the groom. The incident occurred just a day after their joyous wedding celebration, leaving the bride injured and shattered by the experience. Tragedy struck on Interstate 40 as their vehicle veered off the road and collided with a dirt embankment, catapulting their lives into a sea of sorrow.
The loss of 27-year-old Daniel Palacios III in the crash has sent shockwaves through the community. As an independently contracted truck driver, his absence will be deeply felt by those who knew him. His 23-year-old wife, Christy Carrillo, survived the accident but suffered injuries that required medical attention. The grieving father, Daniel Palacios Jr., expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of love and prayers, while acknowledging the immense pain his son’s death has caused his new daughter-in-law.
The tragic incident serves as a heart-wrenching reminder of the fragility of life and the unexpected turns it can take. The happy couple had eagerly anticipated their honeymoon, a time to build cherished memories as they embarked on the journey of marriage. However, their dreams were shattered as their vehicle flipped multiple times after colliding with the embankment, subsequently meeting the force of oncoming traffic.
In the midst of their personal tragedy, the lamenting father shared the news of his son’s funeral, inviting friends, family, and acquaintances to join them in bidding a final farewell. The mournful event will take place on March 16, a somber occasion that will undoubtedly draw an outpouring of support from the community. Meanwhile, Carrillo, having emerged physically and emotionally shaken from the accident, now faces the arduous task of healing and moving forward without her beloved husband by her side.
The circumstances surrounding the accident on Interstate 40 are heartrending. This devastating incident follows closely on the heels of a plane crash on the same highway that claimed the lives of three children and two adults. The tragic back-to-back events have cast a somber mood over Tennessee, leaving communities grappling with immeasurable loss.