A tragedy of unmitigated sadness befell northeast Harris County, Texas, in the wee hours of the morning on December 1, 2024: a drunk driver killed 7-year-old Ivory Giselle Smith. The fatal crash happened around 2:45 a.m. at the intersection of Bammel North Houston Road and the Sam Houston Parkway. Ivory was 7 years old and a second-grader on her way to school from Klenk Elementary when the crash occurred; the mother, Christina Quainoo, 42 years old, is still very badly injured. Christina currently lies in the hospital in critical condition, in a long recovery process wherein she will have to relearn how to walk.
The family of Ivory is similarly attempting to come to grips with the overwhelming grief of losing a lively, bright child described by many as the “joy of the family.” The driver accused of causing the crash, 41-year-old Joel Gonzalez Chacin, has been charged with intoxication manslaughter. Chacin, of Spring, Texas, ran a red light before slamming into the Smith family’s vehicle.
Upon arrival, police reported various signs of intoxication, including the strong odor of alcohol and loss of coordination. The severity of his actions did not stop there. Instead of attempting to aid the victims in any way, Chacin reportedly took pictures of the wreckage to further shock the family and investigators.
Chacin’s reckless behavior has sparked outrage, as instead of helping the family, his documenting the aftermath has left the Smith family searching for answers as to where the remorse is. The police are still trying to recover from this horrific display, and the family is fighting not just for justice but for meaningful consequences that will deter such a tragedy from occurring again.
The emotional tension was palpable during a recent court appearance when family members confronted Chacin, angry, sorrowful, and speaking of the deep sense of loss. “Ivory was just a little girl, full of life and dreams. This didn’t have to happen,” said a family representative. The Smiths demand justice from the court to take accountability for a crime that has changed their lives forever. Chacin’s bond has been set at $150,000, but an Immigration and Customs Enforcement hold has complicated his release.
The family is as resolute as they are grief-stricken. They have started a GoFundMe campaign to help cover Christina’s medical expenses and the funeral costs for Ivory.
It reflects their deep commitment to seeing the tragedy remembered and reform made in Texas’s drunk driving laws. They would wish to see stricter penalties meted out to people who drive under the influence to avoid other families passing through what they are going through.
In a press statement, the family said that
“Ivory was a little girl who warmed every heart she touched,”
adding,
“We would not let her death just go in vain. We will fight for justice, her recovery, and changes to the law that would further make our roads safe to travel.”
Their struggle would be for their dear ivory but also for millions of others who suffer owing to drunk driving, a preventable crime that is deadly.
