5-year-old killed in Gulf Freeway crash, driver charged with manslaughter, court documents show

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Authorities said a 5-year-old passenger was killed in a crash on the Gulf Freeway after the driver of the vehicle hit another car while speeding on Thursday.

According to the Houston Police Department, the driver of the vehicle, identified as 60-year-old Daniel Ruiz, failed to control the speed of his car and struck another vehicle in the 16700 block of Gulf Freeway near FM 2351 on Thursday evening.

Officials said there was a 5-year-old girl in Ruiz's car, sitting in the front passenger seat without a child safety seat. After the crash, the child was taken to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead, according to HPD.

Investigators said no one in the other vehicle was taken for treatment.

According to court documents obtained by ABC13, Ruiz is charged with manslaughter following the incident. Ruiz was denied bond, according to officials.

Court documents also revealed that Ruiz was charged with abandoning a child with the intent to return in December 2024. In that case, Ruiz was sentenced to four years of probation, according to records.