Fort Bliss soldier charged with intoxication manslaughter in crash that killed El Paso couple

Update (November 6, 2024): Fort Bliss officials have identified the man charged with two counts of intoxication manslaughter in the crash as Sgt. Juan Del Valle. Online jail records confirm Del Valle was arrested and charged with two counts on the day of the crash, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.

Fort Bliss says Del Valle is assigned to the 1st Armored Division’s 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team.

“The department is fully cooperating with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office as they continue their investigation,” a spokesman for the 1st Armored Division said Wednesday morning. “We are grateful to our first responders and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office for their quick response to the scene.”

Major General Curtis Taylor released the following statement about Del Valle’s arrest and the crash:

“Fort Bliss management is deeply saddened by this tragedy and its impact on the El Paso community. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those involved in the accident. We remain committed to a solid driver education program that focuses on responsible driving habits starting in week one. Troopers will continue to perform safety checks throughout the facility to encourage safe driving and promote ridesharing opportunities for the El Paso Community.”

Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, Commanding General, 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Dalia Olivas and Rick Ballard have been identified as the victims of a crash that took their lives last weekend.

The crash happened just before midnight Saturday night at the corner of Rojas and Eastlake streets in East El Paso.

ABC-7 was able to speak with some of those close to the victims.

Until May of this year, Olivas was an English teacher at Triumph High School in West El Paso. We spoke to its director, Francisco Chavez, about the impact it has had on society and how it has lasted.

He told us that teachers and students were shocked by the news. Chavez said many teachers struggle to come to work.

“Her goals were to move to Florida with her fiancé and eventually get married. We are very saddened to hear this very sad news. She will be greatly missed.”

ABC-7 also spoke with a childhood friend of Olivas. Stephanie Avigna has known Dalia since she was five years old.

“She was there for everything, the good and the bad. She was never judgmental, you know, she was always a friend.”

Avigna was emotional as he spoke and said there are too many drunk drivers in El Paso and for everyone to take control of their lives to stop these accidents from happening.

There is a GoFundMe for Dali and Rick if you want to help you can find it here.