The quiet community of Encino, Texas, is reeling from the sudden loss of one of its own: 63-year-old Joel Perez, who died early Tuesday in a heartbreaking head-on collision on FM 430, just west of County Road 315, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Officials say Perez was driving westbound just before 7 a.m., when a thick cloud of dust—kicked up by passing traffic on the gravel road—severely limited visibility. Under those treacherous conditions, his vehicle collided head-on with a disabled forklift that was stopped in the eastbound lane due to mechanical trouble. First responders rushed to the scene, but sadly, Perez was pronounced dead on site. Justice of the Peace Ronald Garza confirmed his death.
Though details remain limited, the local DPS report paints a grim picture: a rural road, a momentary loss of visibility, and an unexpected obstacle. In its coverage, KIII-TV emphasized how dust from other vehicles apparently obscured Perez’s line of sight at just the wrong moment.
To those who knew him, Joel Perez was more than the unfortunate victim of a roadside tragedy. Word of his passing spread quickly through Encino, a small Brooks County community where everyone seems to know everyone. Stories of his kindness, generosity, and steady presence are now being shared with heavy hearts. According to local accounts, Perez never hesitated to lend a hand, always greeted others with warmth, and quietly made life better for those around him.
Friends and neighbors say his legacy won’t be defined by the crash, but by the everyday moments that truly mattered — his gentle spirit, his dependable nature, and the countless small gestures of care. In a tight-knit place like Encino (population just over 100), his absence is deeply felt.
As his family and community grieve, they cling to memories: laughter over shared meals, offers of help on hard days, the reassuring comfort of a man who cared without fanfare. In every recollection, his life shines brighter than the tragedy that ended it.
Encino mourns today, but in every whispered story and every tearful smile, Joel Perez’s spirit continues to glow. May he rest in peace, and may his memory be a blessing and source of strength for all who loved him.
