Katy Rallies Around Local Cook; Family Killed in Grand Parkway Crash

KATY MAGAZINE NEWS

February 20, 2023

By Natalie Cook Clark

The Katy and Greater Houston communities are rallying to support a family who has lost a wife and mother, infant son, and have another son still in critical condition. The daughter of a Katy restaurant’s cook was driving her children on Grand Parkway last week when a collision rolled their vehicle off the overpass.

Lupe, Ezekiel, and Isaiah Tzic. From David Tzic's Facebook page.

Mother and Son Killed in Horrific Crash

Lupe Tzic, 28, was killed Wednesday, February 15, 2023 when a Toyota Camry struck her vehicle at 14101 W. Grand Parkway near the U.S. 290 intersection. The collision caused Tzic’s Toyota 4Runner to roll off the overpass falling 26 feet to the feeder below.

3 Year Old Crash Survivor in Critical Condition

While Lupe was pronounced dead at the scene, her sons were transported to Memorial Herman Hospital. 9-month-old Ezekiel was pronounced dead at the hospital, but 3-year-old Isaiah (now being called the last survivor) is fighting for his life in ICU.

Isaiah Tzic is fighting for his life after the crash that killed his mother and brother. From David Tzic's Facebook page.

Lupe and Ezekiel Tzic are survived by husband and father David Tzic, who is focusing on Ezekiel.

Husband Recalls His Wife's Sweet Nature; Talks Final Moments Together

“For those that knew my wife, she was known as one of the quietest, sweetest, and most humble people to ever cross paths with, and we will all truly miss her,” said David Tzic on Facebook. “For my son, Ezekiel, I will truly miss you, these past 9 months have brought me a lot of headaches, but a lot of loving and happy memories.”

Isaiah remains in critical condition and is being treated by a neurosurgeon team.

“For my son Isaiah, who is currently fighting for his life, you're very strong, and I will remain by your side and be here for you at all times,” said David.

David took to social media to express gratitude for the last moments he spent with his family and to thank those helping him in this unimaginable situation.

Like many local families, the Tzic family celebrated Valentine’s Day the day before the fatal accident. David surprised Lupe with flowers, gift baskets, and a balloon shaped like her favorite animal an elephant. They got to dine together as a family with takeout and enjoyed their kids while watching a movie.

David has shared videos on his Facebook account captured by their home security camera. The footage shows him taking a last walk with Ezekiel and then kissing Lupe goodbye as she and the boys left that morning. A blessing to have such final moments caught on film.

The community is rallying to support the family through this difficult time.

Enrique Cepeda, Lupe’s father, has been a kitchen cook at the Texas Borders Bar and Grill 1093 location since 2019. He was at work when he got the call about the accident and the staff cried with him.

“Our Borders family is devastated and grieving this story like the rest of the community,” says Kelli Messer, who heard about the accident that morning and lifted up prayers. “I never dreamed I would know the family involved.”

Kellie and Kevin Messer own the two Texas Borders Bar and Grill in Katy. They both have said that they will personally be donating to help with the funeral but the Borders family has also set up a way for the community to join in this aid, by setting up a fund.

“Enrique is well liked at worked and a good person. My heart breaks for him and the Cepeda family,” says Kellie Messer.

David Tzic has also set up a Go Fund Me account as another way for people to give.

“I want to thank everyone for their generous and humble effort to help during these difficult times, and while I couldn’t reply to the enormous number of messages from all platforms, it’s beyond admired and honored,” he stated on Facebook.

Accident Remains Under Investigation

The accident is still under investigation by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, which Tzic has thanked publicly for their efforts. The department believes that the accident was a “chain reaction crash.” The Camry that struck Lupe’s vehicle had swerved do to another vehicle stopping for an unknown reason in front of them.

Another vehicle was also struck, but both drivers were uninjured and reported stayed at the scene. The driver who stopped causing the events of the accident didn’t stay.

This is a developing story as the accident remains under investigation and young Isaiah remains in critical condition.

“I will miss my family being whole again, but in my heart, they will always have a special place in my heart,” states Tzic.