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Sherman High School sophomore Il Isai Cruz was killed early Wednesday morning in a wreck that also seriously injured his mother, Celia, and two younger sisters, Sinai, age 9, and Sarai, age 2. Il's older brother, Jose Cruz, who is a senior at Sherman High School, and his father, Julian Cruz, both escaped the wreck with less serious injuries. Julian Cruz is minister of the Iglesia de Cristo in Sherman. He moved his family here in June 2007 from Chicago after accepting the job at the Spanish-speaking church, which is sponsored by the Parkview Church of Christ in Sherman. Missouri Highway Patrol reported that the wreck happened at 25 minutes past midnight on Interstate 44 in Lawrence County, near the city of Mount Vernon. The family was returning from their former Chicago home. Because the Cruz vehicle, a 1995 Chevrolet, was having problems, it was being driven at about 50 mph with its flashers on. An 18-wheeler also on I-44 struck the Cruz vehicle from behind. The Chevrolet rolled several times and three family members we ejected. Julian and Jose were transported to one hospital while the others were taken to St. John's Hospital in Springfield, MO. Il Cruz was pronounced dead at the scene by the Lawrence County Coroner's Office and taken to Lakin Funeral Home in Pierce City, MO. He was 16 years old. Celia Cruz suffered injuries to her hip, and has been through surgery for that. Young Sarai suffered head trauma and is expected to undergo surgery soon. It's unknown what injuries Sinai suffered, but the accident report said she was taken to Cox South Hospital in Springfield. Jose, 17, and Julian Cruz were treated and released from Cox Hospital. The Cruz family had driven back to Chicago to take care of the home they owned up there. They were on their way back to Sherman with the intention of getting the boys back in school Thursday. Several members of their congregation will be flying to Springfield Friday because of the generosity of a company which has offered its plane to them. Sherman High School spokeswoman Bootie Terrell said that counselors were made available to students immediately upon learning of the tragedy and will continue to be available to help them through their grief.
article taken from Herald Democrat
A benefit has been setup for the Cruz family to help them financially during these difficult times. Checks should be written out to: Julian Cruz Family Benefit. Please mail to either:
Churches and individuals that would like to contact the church family may contact: Clinton Davis -
elder at
Parkview church of Christ
Please, please pray fervently for this family. Julian, Celia, Jose, Sinai and Sarai Cruz. *We will keep this page updated as more information becomes available.
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