A joyful milestone turned tragic within hours as a young Floridian’s celebration ended in heartbreak.
Hendry Aceituno Gudiño, an 18-year-old recent graduate of Boca Raton High School, died in a fatal car crash on May 17, 2025, while returning from a graduation dinner. The accident occurred on Interstate 95 in Martin County, Florida, cutting short what was meant to be a hopeful new chapter in his life.
Just hours after walking across the stage to receive his high school diploma, Hendry was behind the wheel, driving home with his girlfriend and her father.
According to his mother, Anielka Gudiño, the trio had just finished a celebratory dinner when their vehicle crashed along a stretch of I-95 in Martin County.
Authorities confirmed that the crash involved only one vehicle and left both Hendry and his girlfriend’s father dead at the scene.
His girlfriend, Ana Molina, who was featured often on his social media, survived and was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The Gudiño family had only recently moved to Florida from Venezuela in 2023, driven by hope and the desire for a better future. The sudden loss left Anielka devastated.
“It’s a tragic death and I think nobody deserves to die like that,” she told WPTV. “Very painful. Everything is painful. A teen full of life, 18 years old. He had a whole life ahead of him.”
Friends and family described Hendry as a kind, loving, and hardworking teenager who brought joy to those around him. Boca Raton High School informed its community of the loss through an email: “We are a community that supports one another. Together, we will navigate this difficult time.”
Hendry’s death resonated deeply among those who knew him, including longtime friend Angel Espulge, who said, “He left this world, sadly. But we thank God that we were able to know him.”
To support the grieving family, Roberto Hurtado launched a GoFundMe campaign on behalf of Anielka. His friends, like Casanova Alejandro and Joriana Alejandra, have shared it on social media.
Additionally, Casanova posted several pictures with his friend, including a screenshot of the final message he received from Hendry. It reads, “I did it, bro, I love you so much, king, always keeping it real.”
As of this writing, the fundraiser surpassed its $7,500 goal, raising $7,848 through 161 donations. The funds aim to help cover funeral expenses and ease the financial burden on Hendry’s single mother.
In her grief, Anielka urged others to reflect on the responsibility that comes with being behind the wheel. “Be cautious. Drive responsibly. Be careful,” she said. “It’s not only your life, but it’s also the people with you.”
As the community mourns, support services have been made available. Boca Raton High School is offering grief counseling on campus through school counselors and psychologists.
In addition, anyone seeking immediate emotional support can call 2-1-1, a free and confidential helpline offering mental health resources and crisis guidance.
Hendry’s obituary remembered him as someone whose presence brought warmth and inspiration. “For Hendry Aceituno is not truly gone, but merely transformed, their energy intertwined with the fabric of the universe itself, forever dancing among the stars,” it read.
Visitation and a celebration of life service will be held on May 24 at Shuler’s Memorial Chapel in West Palm Beach. This tragic incident reminds communities across Florida of the fragility of life and the importance of road safety, especially among young drivers.
Unfortunately, another car crash on May 17 turned into a tragedy. As previously reported, a vehicle collision in Van Alstyne, Texas, claimed the lives of a father and his two young children. The incident took place around 12:30 p.m. on Farm-to-Market Road 3133, just west of Jim Cannon Road, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS).
Authorities say the crash involved three vehicles. A Dodge 3500, driven by 63-year-old Rocky Patterson of Rowlett, attempted to pass a Toyota Tacoma in a no-passing zone while heading uphill.
During the attempt, Rocky’s vehicle collided head-on with a Chevrolet Silverado, which then caught fire. The Dodge also struck the Toyota Tacoma, according to officials.
The driver of the Silverado, 41-year-old Tommy Moorehead III from Leonard, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two children, ages 4 and 6, who were also in the Silverado, died at the scene as well, according to the TxDPS.
The driver of the Toyota Tacoma received treatment at the crash site, officials stated. Rocky was taken to Baylor Scott White Health in McKinney for treatment before being arrested and taken into custody on Sunday. The extent of his injuries has not been made public.
He was later booked into the Grayson County Jail and charged with three counts of second-degree felony manslaughter. His bond was set at $3 million.
Trenton Independent School District responded to the news on Monday with a public statement mourning the loss. The district confirmed that one of the children who died was a first-grade student.
“Our district will have extra help on the elementary campus tomorrow to assist students and staff as needed,” the statement read. “If extra assistance is needed beyond tomorrow, we will make arrangements for that as well.”
As of now, the TxDPS has said the investigation into the crash remains active. It is not yet known whether Patterson has secured legal representation.
Following the devastating crash that claimed the lives of Tommy and his two children, support has poured in for his wife, Brooke Mustard Moorehead.
A GoFundMe campaign, organized by Carmen Hall, has been launched to assist Brooke in covering funeral costs and other unforeseen expenses. “In a single instant, Brooke lost everything,” read a part of the description on the online fundraising page.
The campaign describes the depth of the loss. “Her entire family — her loving husband Tommy, their beautiful young daughter Lynnlee, and their sweet toddler son Tommy Jr. — were tragically killed in a horrific collision on FM 3133 in Van Alstyne, Texas.”
As of May 21, the fundraiser has received $75,809 out of its $150,000 goal, with contributions from 794 donors. Additional donations are expected as the campaign continues to circulate.
The page honors Tommy as “a devoted husband and father, a kind soul who worked hard and loved his family with his whole heart.” It recalls Lynnlee’s “life, joy, and curiosity” and remembers little Tommy Jr. as “always smiling and full of love.”
Brooke is described as a valued and compassionate figure in her workplace. “She has been an anchor in our restaurant family for almost a decade — loyal, hardworking, compassionate, and strong,” the post states. The campaign emphasizes that she has always shown care to others and now needs the same in return.
“We are raising funds to support Brooke with funeral arrangements and the many unexpected expenses that follow such a catastrophic loss,” it adds. The organizers urge the public to share the page and contribute, stressing, “Every contribution, no matter the size, will help ease the burden and show her she is not alone.”
The message concludes with a heartfelt note from those behind the fundraiser. “Thank you for your compassion, your generosity, and your prayers during this unimaginable time.”
As the investigation continues, support for Brooke reflects the deep impact of the lives lost and the collective effort to help one family begin to heal.
At this time, we offer our condolences to the families and loved ones of everyone lost due to these terrible incidents on the road.
