MEDINA COUNTY, Texas – Nearly three months after a tragic crash claimed the life of his wife, Jason Maldonado is still haunted by the memory of that fateful day.
Maldonado said his wife, April, was struck by a driver on County Road 375 in Medina County just days before Thanksgiving.
“I turned to the right and noticed that she was unconscious by the fence line,” Maldonado said, recalling the moment he saw his wife hit by the driver.
The couple had been enjoying a routine walk through their neighborhood when tragedy struck.
Maldonado, a veteran and a San Antonio park police officer, said he was looking forward to hosting his first Thanksgiving at their home. Instead, the holiday would mark a turning point in their lives.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the driver of a black F-150 truck veered off the road and struck the couple. April was killed and Jason Maldonado was seriously injured.
“I had a broken femur in several places. My pelvis was broken in two places, and I had two broken ribs,” Maldonado said.
The tragedy has left Maldonado not only in physical pain but also grappling with the loss of his wife and the responsibility of raising their four children alone. Their children, ranging in age from seven to 17, are struggling to cope with the absence of their mother.
“My son’s going to graduate this year, and he’s not going to have his mom there to give him a hug and congratulate him,” Maldonado said.
The youngest child, who is 7 years old, will ask questions about heaven and where his mother is now.
“There should be no reason a 7-year-old is asking about heaven because that’s where his mom’s at,” Maldonado said.
As the family copes with their loss, support has come from unexpected places.
The tragedy has garnered attention on social media. Maldonado, a Buffalo Bills fan, has received donations from Bills Mafia and other NFL fan bases.
The 100 Club, a nonprofit organization that supports firefighters and police officers, has also rallied to raise funds for the family.
“I cry every night. I see my kids struggle throughout the day, and I have to be strong for them,” Maldonado said.
The 100 Club is working to raise $50,000 by the end of January to help cover medical and living expenses for the Maldonado family.
In the meantime, the Maldonado family holds onto the memories of April, speaking to her through prayer and finding comfort in the love they shared.
“I tell her, ‘I love you, and I miss you, and I just wish I could hold you for one last time,’” Maldonado said.
The driver is currently not facing any charges. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.