Friends, family mourn UTA student killed by alleged drunk-driver

Friends and family of a UT Arlington student killed in a wrong-way wreck say he was dedicated to school.

Cristian Cecilio, 21, was killed last week when a wrong-way driver hit him on his motorcycle on the George Bush Turnpike. The college student's loved ones want to know the reason behind the fiery crash.

The family of Cristian Cecilio is struggling with laying the 21-year-old college student with a promising future to rest. Heavy hearts filled Williams Funeral Home in Garland Monday evening where Cristian was honored one last time.

“We were just talking about what if one day we passed away. And he told us if he ever passed away to bury him in all white,” Jovanny, Cristian’s brother said. “Since he can't wear all white, we are wearing it for him.”

Cristian was killed instantly in the October 9 crash. DPS troopers say a Chevy Tahoe, driven by 20-year-old Eduardo Guerrero, was going the wrong direction on the George Bush Turnpike. Traffic cams show the explosion as the Tahoe going northbound in the southbound lanes crashed head on into Cristian’s motorcycle.

A Rowlett officer who responded to the scene was able to save a passenger in the Tahoe, but the driver didn't make it. Police suspect Eduardo was drunk.

Cristian’s father says he was heading home to Mesquite from his job at State Farm in Richardson. He often worried about his son riding a motorcycle, a Yamaha he'd only had about eight months.

Jovanny says he was always setting a good example for him and another younger brother.

Cristian was a Mesquite High School grad studying to become a mechanical engineer at UT Arlington – a dream that will never be realized.