In a landmark decision, a South Texas jury has awarded $80 million to the family of 8-year-old Caleb Ramirez, who tragically lost his life in April 2024 after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle near his home in Pharr, Texas.
The civil trial, which concluded on May 22, 2025, found 17-year-old Alex Castillo and his family negligent in Caleb’s death.
Details of the Incident
On April 26, 2024, Caleb was riding his bicycle on East Eller Street when he was hit by a GMC Sierra truck driven by Alex Castillo, who was unlicensed at the time.
According to trial testimonies and crash reconstruction experts, Castillo was driving approximately 17 miles per hour and accelerated before the collision. A Pharr police detective testified that Castillo did not attempt to stop the vehicle and continued driving down the block after the impact.
Legal Proceedings and Findings
The wrongful death lawsuit was filed by Caleb’s parents, Sonia Hernandez and Jose Ramirez, against Alex Castillo, his parents Aurea and Vicente Castillo, and his older brother Orlando Castillo, who owned the vehicle involved.
The lawsuit alleged gross negligence on the part of Alex Castillo for driving without a license and failing to exercise proper caution. It also accused Orlando Castillo of negligent entrustment for allowing his unlicensed brother to operate the vehicle.
During the trial, the Castillo family chose not to have legal representation and invoked their Fifth Amendment rights to avoid self-incrimination.
Despite this, members of the Castillo family expressed remorse during closing arguments, with Alex’s mother, Aurea Castillo, apologizing to Caleb’s family and stating that they had received death threats, prompting them to make their social media accounts private.
Jury Verdict and Community Response
The jury’s decision to award $80 million in damages significantly exceeded the $1 million initially sought by Caleb’s family. The verdict was seen as a statement of accountability and a form of justice for Caleb. Sonia Hernandez, Caleb’s mother, emphasized that the lawsuit was not about the money but about clearing her son’s name and holding those responsible accountable.
The case has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of vehicle owners and the importance of proper licensing. It has also led to calls for legislative changes, with Caleb’s family advocating for “Caleb’s Law,” which would require mandatory drug and alcohol testing for drivers involved in accidents resulting in injury or death.
The tragic death of Caleb Ramirez and the subsequent legal proceedings have highlighted the devastating consequences of negligence and the importance of accountability. The jury’s verdict serves as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with vehicle ownership and operation, and the need for systemic changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
