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

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

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

“The division is fully cooperating with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office as they continue their investigation,” a 1st Armored Division spokesperson said Wednesday morning. “We appreciate 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 regarding Del Valle’s arrest and crash:

“Fort Bliss leadership 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 robust driver training program focused on responsible driving habits beginning in the first week Soldiers arrive at Fort Bliss We will continue regular safety checks throughout the installation to encourage safe driving behaviors and promote ride-sharing opportunities. We remain engaged with community leaders and local law enforcement to improve the safety of Fort Bliss El Paso communities.”

Maj. Gen. Curtis Taylor, commanding general of the 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss

---

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

The accident happened just before midnight Saturday evening at the corner of Rojas and Eastlake in East El Paso.

ABC-7 was able to talk to some people close to the victims.

Olivas was an English teacher at Triumph High School in West El Paso until last May. We spoke with its director, Francisco Chavez, about the impact she has had in the community and how it has lasted.

He said teachers and students were shocked by the news. Chavez said it was difficult for many teachers to find work.

“Her goal was to move to Florida with her fiancé and eventually get married. It is very tragic for us to hear this sad news. She will be greatly missed.”

ABC-7 also spoke with a childhood friend of Olivas. Stephanie Aviña had known Dalia since they were five years old.

“She was there through everything, the good and the bad. She never judged, you know, she was always the one who had to be a friend.”

Aviña was emotional as he spoke, saying El Paso has too many drunk drivers and everyone should take control of their lives so these accidents can stop.

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