Ruby Gonzalez was killed after police said a wrong-way driver hit the SUV carrying her and her husband.
DALLAS, Texas — Friends are remembering Ruby Gonzalez as a devoted mother and steady presence after she was killed in a wrong-way crash early Tuesday on Central Expressway in North Dallas.
Gonzalez, a mother of three, was riding home with her husband, Kevin Gonzalez, when police said a sedan traveled north in the southbound lanes of U.S. 75 and crashed into their Mercedes SUV near Royal Lane.
The crash happened around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday after callers reported a wrong-way driver on Central Expressway. Dallas firefighters responded to the head-on collision and worked to free at least one person from the wreckage.
Police said the driver of the sedan, 23-year-old Christopher Ourfalian, died at the scene. Ruby Gonzalez and Kevin Gonzalez were taken to a hospital. Ruby later died, while Kevin remained in critical condition in the ICU as of Friday.
Friends said Ruby and Kevin Gonzalez had known each other since high school and built a life centered on their children. Their youngest child is 3 months old. Amanda Martinez, a friend, said Ruby’s death has left a hole that cannot be filled.
“It’s impossible to recreate what she did for her children,” Martinez said. Matt Epstein, another friend, said Ruby brought people together and made those around her feel cared for. “Her spirit lives on,” Epstein said.
Investigators have not released a finding on why Ourfalian entered the wrong lanes. Police said the case remains under investigation, including the moments before the sedan hit the Gonzalez family’s SUV in the southbound lanes.
The wreck closed lanes of Central Expressway during the morning commute and drew a large response from police and firefighters. The collision was one of the deadliest crashes reported in Dallas this week.
Ruby Gonzalez’s family and friends are now focused on her children and Kevin Gonzalez’s recovery. Police have not announced a final crash report, and Kevin remained hospitalized Friday.
Author note: Last updated May 23, 2026.