HELOTES, Texas -- Matthew Crenwelde is facing several surgeries to repair the damage he suffered in a fatal crash. His best friend died in the head on collision investigators believe was caused by a man driving drunk.
"I'm upset, frustrated and confused. It's not fair," Matthew Crenwelge told News 4 WOAI.
On Monday Crenwelge, 23, was moved out of the intensive care unit at University Hospital. Crenwelge was critically hurt December 23 just before Christmas Eve.
"Both eye sockets were completely shattered," he said while pointing to his face.
The Kerrville man said was lying on the backseat of a truck. He was tired after returning from an overnight fishing trip with co-workers. He spoke slowly remembering bits and pieces of a head on collision.
Police say the accident was caused by Allen Lynwyatt, 21. He faces a count of intoxication manslaughter and two counts of intoxication assault.
According to Crenwelge, someone spotted Lynwyatt driving on the wrong side of the wrong. Others swerved, including a car with a pregnant woman and young child. However, before officers could catch up to Lynwyatt, Crenwelge said he and his two friends were hit in the head on crash.
It was days after the wreck when Crenwelge's family told him his best friend, Sebastian Ybarra, died. The 22 year old driver he was riding with suffered several broken bones in his arms and legs. He was treated and released from a hospital.
Crenwelge was not able to leave his hospital bed to attend a memorial service for Ybarra -- the friend he had since age two.
The pair shared many good times and they even worked for the same company, Discount Tire.
"Thankful he's alive but really I am really hurt about Sebastian," expressed Jazzmine Vasquez.
She is Crenwelge's girlfriend and the mother of his two children: a son who is four years old and a three year old daughter. Most likely, Matt will miss any birthday celebration for his son who turns five on January 12th, unless there is a special event in his hospital room.
Crenwelge is an only child and his girlfriend says it was tough to tell his mother about the accident. Since then, several family members have been by his side, including his aunt, Melissa Hufstedler.
"It's really upsetting to me. I don't understand why people decide to drink and get on the road," Hufstedler said.
She set up an account on
GiveForward.com to help Matt and his family with expenses.
Life changed drastically just before Christmas 2012 and Vasquez said future holiday celebrations won't be the same without Ybarra. He was a friend and a father too. Vasquez said Ybarra was had sole custody of a young son.
After checking, we learned the man accused of driving drunk, Allen Lynwyatt, was released from jail after posting bond on three charges.
