BREAKING: ‘Walker,’ ‘1883’ actor killed in Mustang TX crash, family seeks justice.
Three members of the Cortez family were killed in a motorcycle crash along Texas 27 near the Bluff Creek exit in Kerr County after a suspected drunken driver hit them head-on.
Three members of the Cortez family were killed in a motorcycle crash along Texas 27 near the Bluff Creek exit in Kerr County after a suspected drunken driver hit them head-on. Sgt, First Class Dan Cortez
Three members of the Cortez family were killed in a motorcycle crash along Texas 27 near the Bluff Creek exit in Kerr County after a suspected drunken driver hit them head-on.
Her “bonus son” Dan Cortez III, whose cousin, father and brother were killed in the collision, told MySA that Joan is still in the ICU, recovering from the incident, which severely injured the lower half of her body.
Courtney Cheryl Cortez, 25, of Kerrville, died Saturday, May 3, 2025, in a collision with a suspected drunken driver.
Courtney Cheryl Cortez, 25, of Kerrville, died Saturday, May 3, 2025, in a collision with a suspected drunken driver. Courtesy of Dan Cortez
‘Her second motorcycle ride ever’
At just 25 years old, Courtney Cortez was becoming the woman she wanted to be. Her family describes her as a bright light who was kind, loving, and full of life — a woman who often put others first. She was a daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and a friend.
On May 3, she was enjoying the longest bike ride she had ever taken. Growing up in a military and motorcycle family, she was a bit more quiet and reserved than everyone else. On that day, Dan says she was with his father — her uncle — who was helping her get out and explore.
“She always counted herself last. She was learning how to be confident,” Dan said.
A big part of that, Dan said, was learning how to ride a motorcycle. Saturday’s crash was the second time she had ever ridden on a bike.
The group was hit head-on by 25-year-old Jeremy Wasson of San Antonio, according to authorities, who arrested the San Antonio man on three charges of intoxicated manslaughter and one charge of intoxicated assault.
Dan said his father was the life of the party — a passionate actor and radio personality — who wanted to pull her out of her shell.
Dan Cortez Jr. was a passionate actor who appeared in “Yellowstone,” and other television productions.
Dan Cortez Jr. was a passionate actor who appeared in “Yellowstone,” and other television productions. Courtesy of Dan Cortez
‘Desperado Dan’ is the epitome of a Cowboy
Dan said his father, a Kerrville radio personality known as Dan “that man” Cortez,” embraced every chance to entertain. He had small background role in the “Yellowstone” prequel “1883.”
Cortez spoke often of his time on set. He recently started his own casting agency in order to take control of his career as an actor. Before the deadly crash, he was in the middle of obtaining a passport to film a new project in another country.
Dan said he was going through his father’s belongings, including a closet filled with costumes and memories from his work, before speaking to MySA.
“There’s not anything I’ve looked at that he hasn’t touched,” Dan said.
“He lived for the spotlight,” the son laughed. “And we want the community to come to the service. It’s what he would have wanted.”
“Dad — was the epitome of a cowboy. Plain and simple. He was outgoing, very extroverted. It was easy for him to talk with people.”
A custom cowboy-style casket is being prepared for Dan Jr. in honor of his love for western heritage.
Family members say that Cody Cortez, 34, was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend who brought joy and laughter wherever he went.
Family members say that Cody Cortez, 34, was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, and friend who brought joy and laughter wherever he went. Phoenix Photography/Courtesy of Dan Cortez
Cody Cortez: ‘A quiet protector’
Dan described his younger brother Cody as a bit of a gentle giant: strong, loyal, and quiet until he needed to speak up.
“He was tough when he needed to be, but on the inside he was a cuddly bear,” Dan said.
Cody served in the United States military and grew up riding motorcycles.
Driver released on bond, family seeking justice
Wasson has released on bond on Sunday, May 4, which Dan says is not easy to know that the man accused of killing his family members is out of law enforcement custody. But he said the Texas Department of Safety has his family’s full support.
Community will rally around Cortez family for ‘Final Ride’ on May 14
Dan said the tragic incident will not stop him from riding the open road. He said he had been out riding his bike in Arkansas, where he lives with his wife, the same day his family was involved in the horrific crash.
“I’m not going to let someone else’s actions, the choice to drink and drive, affect what I do in my life,” Dan said.
Fallen Riders, a nonprofit that honors victims of motorcycle crashes, is hosting a ‘Final Ride’ event on May 14, the same day that Courtney, Cody and Dan Sr. will be laid to rest.
