HOUSTON, TX – A family returning from a softball tournament faced unimaginable tragedy early Monday morning when a wrong-way driver on Interstate 45 caused a devastating head-on collision. The crash claimed the lives of a mother and her 9-year-old son, while two surviving family members remain hospitalized in critical condition.
Houston police have identified the driver of the red Ford F-150 responsible for the crash as 46-year-old Michael Anthony Arguijo. He has been charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter following an investigation by the Houston Police Department’s Vehicular Crimes Division.
The fatal accident occurred just after 12:45 a.m. near the Dallas and Preston exit on the North Freeway. According to police, Arguijo was driving northbound in the southbound lanes when his truck collided head-on with the Munive family’s Mitsubishi Outlander.
Brittany Munive, 33, who was driving the SUV, and her 9-year-old son, DJ Munive, were killed in the crash. Her husband, Dario Munive, and their 10-year-old daughter, Mila, were critically injured and had to be extricated from the wreckage.
A GoFundMe page set up by relatives describes Brittany as a devoted mother who “lived for her children” and always ensured they had everything they needed. Her son DJ is remembered as a spirited boy who enjoyed riding his dirt bike, playing baseball, and playfully teasing his older sister.
“They will truly be missed,” the fundraiser states.
Dario Munive, the primary financial provider for the family, remains hospitalized alongside his daughter, and relatives have expressed uncertainty about their future. The fundraiser aims to support the Munive family with funeral expenses and long-term medical care for the survivors.
Arguijo, who also sustained critical injuries in the crash, remains hospitalized under police custody. The Harris County District Attorney’s Office approved charges against him as the investigation continues. A booking photo has not yet been released.
Authorities continue to urge drivers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or reckless driving to prevent further tragedies on Houston’s roadways.