By Crash News Writer 
Harlingen, TX (July 10, 2025) — A tow truck driver lost his life Tuesday evening in a tragic hit-and-run accident on Interstate Highway 2 just east of FM 506. The deadly incident occurred around 5:00 p.m. on July 8, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
According to reports, 46-year-old David Zapata of Mercedes was working on the shoulder of the highway, securing another vehicle onto the flatbed of his 2010 black Hino tow truck. A white Dodge Ram driven by Cristobal Stephan Garzez, 28, of Donna, failed to slow down or move over, striking Zapata. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Garzez fled the area but was later located nearby by law enforcement. He was arrested and faces multiple charges including intoxication manslaughter, failure to slow down or move over causing death, failure to stop and render aid, and possession of a controlled substance. He was booked into the Cameron County Carrizales-Rucker Detention Center as the investigation continues.
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PLEASE TAKE NOTICE
The information in this article is based on initial reports from local authorities and may be subject to updates as investigations continue.
- The identities of those involved in the incident have not been released pending official confirmation and notification of next of kin.
- Further details about the accident, including toxicology results and potential charges, will be shared as they become available.
- Road closures and traffic updates related to the accident scene can be found by checking with local authorities or traffic monitoring services.
The content of this news story is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. All information is based on public reports at the time of publication, and details may change as investigations progress. Readers are encouraged to seek legal counsel if they or someone they know have been involved in a similar incident. The publisher assumes no liability for actions taken or not taken based on the information provided in this article. Learn more with our disclaimer.