Three Kenedy residents were injured, one of which later died after their vehicle rolled over four times just south of Shorty’s Restaurant on U.S. Highway 181 January 30.

The accident happened around noon. The driver, Sandra Tenberg, told police she fell asleep at the wheel. As a result, her SUV veered off the right-hand side of the road. She woke, overcorrected to the left, and sent the vehicle rolling.

DPS Trooper Alfred Alejos said he estimated the vehicle rolled four times after crashing through a fence and coming to rest in a field.

Bobby Joe Nunez and Ignacia M. Nunez (78) of Kenedy were passengers in the vehicle. Bobby Joe Nunez was ejected during the rollover, despite having worn his safety belt. Ignacia Nunez and Sandra Tenberg remained inside after the vehicle had come to a stop.

An AirLife helicopter and the Karnes City Fire Department were dispatched to the scene. All three occupants were taken to a San Antonio hospital after being extricated. Alejos said they had all suffered excessive head trauma.

Bobby Joe Nunez and Sandra Tenberg are in stable condition and are recovering from broken bones. Ignacia Nunez died a few days after the wreck as a result of her injuries. All three were related — Bobby Joe Nunez and Sandra Tenberg are siblings and Ignacia Nunez was their mother.

"I was called Sunday just before 4 p.m. and was notified that the mother had died. She had just suffered too much head trauma," Alejos said.