Hit-and-run victim's daughter recalls accident in Angleton

ANGLETON, TX (KTRK) -- A morning jog changed the lives of an Angleton family when a driver lost control and struck a mother and daughter. The mother didn't survive but her daughter is now talking about the Saturday accident that changed their family's lives.

In between the push-ups and reps at an Angleton gym Monday night there were hugs.

"I don't understand how I didn't die too," says 26-year-old Megan Gonzales.

She says the emotional pain takes over any of the physical scars you see on her.

"I got pretty banged up, my face, the back of my legs," Gonzales says.

Her mother's water bottle and gloves remain untouched from before that Saturday morning run at Forever Strong Strength and Conditioning.

"I don't know how God created such an amazing person but I'm so lucky to have had her for so long. I miss her so much," says Gonzales .

She had just passed her mom on the shoulder of Velasco Street in Angleton when she heard a loud noise. The car struck her mother and then her.

"I didn't want anyone to come to me I wanted everyone to go to my mom. I was screaming," says Gonzales .

"As soon as I turned the corner to the Nutrition Shop all I saw was Megan's legs. I deadbolt sprinted to her," says Jonathan Pena.

Donna Treesh loved health and fitness, her daughters and being a grandmother.

"I hope we can be half the mother she was," says Gonzales.

She believes in her mother's last minutes of her 49-year-life, she was her guardian angel.

Gonzales says, "It's still the worst nightmare of my entire life. She was me and my sister's best friend in the whole world. I don't understand it and I know I'm never going to. One thing I try to take away from it, I feel like she was there to save my life."

The man charged in the hit-and-run, 31-year-old Andrew Lee Williams, has a long criminal history. His past includes charges from drug possession and driving while intoxicated to aggravated assault.

Gonzales says, "I feel like shouldn't have even been out in a car on the road, his record was huge. I feel he should be in prison and my mom should still be here."

The family says they want to focus on the happy times they had with Donna Treesh.

"I know she is smiling down on us," they add.

At the gym there may be an empty spot in their hearts, she is also inspiring a strength in their souls.

Pena adds, "You can be strong in more than one way, through health fitness, when something big happens like this and you know you have to be strong and keep your head up and keep pushing forward, it's the only thing to do."

The family says they are grateful for the outpouring of support in the community. Donna Treesh was a big supporter of safety whether running on the road or behind the wheel of a car. This Saturday they will hold a walk/run in her memory at the Brazoria County Fairgrounds at 8:30 a.m. The event will be open to walkers, joggers, cyclists to complete as many laps as they would like. They'll also be raising money for the family's expenses.

A fundraiser/giving drive will also be held Wednesday, December 17 at Forever Strong Strength and Conditioning in Angleton.