May 06, 2005
Rep. Joe Moreno (D-Houston) killed in accident
By Karl-Thomas Musselman
The Statesman is reporting that one of our State Reps has died in a car accident early today. One other Rep was injured (non-life threatening).
Texas State Rep. Joe Ernest Moreno was killed early today in a one-car accident on Texas 71 in Fayette County; a second state representative and the chief of a staff for a third representative were seriously injured.
Texas Department of Public Safety officials said Moreno, D-Houston, died around 2 a.m. at the scene of the accident between Ellinger and LaGrange.
State Rep. Rafael Anchia, 36, D-Dallas, was taken to Brackenridge Hospital with non life-threatening injuries, officials said.
Monica Lisa Pinon, 28, who is the chief of staff for State Rep. Joe Pickett, D-El Paso, was also taken to Brackenridge Hospital with broken bones. She reportedly is in fair condition.
DPS investigators said the 2004 pickup truck that Moreno was driving was headed west of Texas 71 when it left the road. The driver apparently over-corrected and entered a ditch, when the truck rolled over several times.
The hearts of all the Burnt Orange writers go out to Rep. Moreno's family, as well as Rep. Anchia and Ms. Pinon. And to think I remember watching him debate on the House online video stream this last week. Rest in peace good sir, rest in peace.
Posted by Karl-Thomas Musselman at May 6, 2005 08:04 AM
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I had met and had dinner with Rep. Moreno on several occassions and was offered a job in his office this session. He was desk mates with my old boss Former Rep. Mabry (D-Waco). Rep. Moreno was a great man and a great servant to the State of Texas. We will miss him dearly.
Joe always had a joke or witty retort and brought much-needed levity to the House when debate got a tad overheated. I will miss him dearly, as will the institution.
Speaker Craddick informed the House this morning that Monica is undergoing surgery but is expected to fully recover.
Please join my prayers to the Moreno family and to Monica's prompt recovery.
I join Jim and Karl-Thomas in grief over the death of Rep. Moreno. I remember meeting him in Ardmore when I visited the Democrats up there in May 2003. He was a dedicated public servant, had a great sense of humor and he will be missed.
My prayers are certainly with Moreno's family, Rep. Anchia and Monica Pinon. I actually just received a very kind email personally from Rep. Anchia after I had sent him an email thanking him for his work against HJR 6 in the house. I certainly wish them both a speedy recovery.
Very sad news indeed.
Don't have any personal connections here, so no stories to tell.
Just sadness.
This is truly unfortunate, as all car accidents are.
We are blessed, however, that Anchia and Ms. Pinon were not hurt worse than they are.
I want to join the other bloggers here on BOR in offering my condolences to the Moreno family. I interned at the Texas House in 2003, and while there, I observed Representative Moreno on the Floor. I was impressed with the intelligent, articulate way he represented his constituents. He really was one of the "good guys". All of Texas has suffered a loss.
I also wish to express best wishes for a speedy recovery to Representative Anchia and Ms. Pinon.
WHat kind of truck was Mr. Moreno driving?
