Texas Crash That Left Only One Survivor Paralyzed Leads to 65-Year Sentence for 19-Year-Old Driver

Johnson County, Texas — A devastating crash that claimed the lives of six members of the same family has resulted in a 65-year prison sentence for 19-year-old Luke Garrett Resecker, who was found to have THC in his system at the time of the collision. The December 26, 2023 crash left only one survivor, who is now permanently paralyzed from the waist down.

The incident took place just after 4 p.m. the day after Christmas, when Resecker, then 17, veered into oncoming traffic on a Johnson County roadway while driving a Chevrolet Silverado. His vehicle struck a Honda Odyssey minivan carrying a family that had spent the day visiting Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose.

The impact was catastrophic.

Six of the seven people inside the minivan were killed, including two children:

• Rushil Barri, 28 (driver)

• Naveena Potabathula, 36

• Nageswararao Ponnada, 64

• Sitamahalakshmi Ponnada, 60

• Krithik Potabathula, 10

• Nishidha Potabathula, 9

The only survivor, Lokesh Potabathula, lost his wife, two children, cousin, and both in-laws — and is now paralyzed from the waist down.

Resecker’s passenger, 17-year-old Preston Glass, also suffered a severe traumatic brain injury that has left him permanently impaired.

Investigators found THC wax, marijuana, and a vape device inside Resecker’s truck. Toxicology tests confirmed he had active THC in his system at the time of the crash.

Prosecutors charged Resecker with multiple counts, including intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault. During the trial, prosecutors emphasized the profound loss suffered by the surviving victim and the community.

In closing arguments, Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Miller spoke each victim’s name aloud — calling for justice not just in law, but in memory.

After a week of testimony, the jury reached its decision in just hours.

Resecker will serve his sentence in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, with officials stating the punishment reflects both the scale of the tragedy and the severe responsibility that comes with driving under the influence.

The community continues to mourn a loss that has reshaped an entire family — and stands as a sobering reminder of the irreversible consequences of impaired driving.