The parents of 17-year-old James Russell O’Canas Jr. are sharing his story in the hope that it can save others.

James and Ashley O’Canas lost their son in an accident last month but spoke out over the weekend.

Investigators revealed that on January 12, a bartender at a restaurant called BreWingZ served the James Jr. and his friend Lee Cruz Trevino with twelve pitchers of beer. Trevino was 19 years old.

Surveillance video showed that the bartender, identified as Edith Melendez, never asked for ID.

The boys left the bar with Trevino driving.

However, he eventually lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree. The car burst into flames. A bystander managed to pull Trevino out of the car but Trevino then fled the scene and left O’Canas behind. James Russell O’Canas Jr died in the car.

Both Melendez and Trevino face multiple charges in connection with that night and Trevino goes back to court on Monday. Trevino’s 25-year-old brother is also facing charges. He is accused of providing alcohol to minors before the accident that night. 

Ashley recalled that her son’s last text to her was “love you mama”.

Meanwhile, the deceased teen’s father said it still feels like a dream. He said he waits every day for his son to come through the door and noted that while nothing can bring his son back, he and his wife wanted their experience to serve as a lesson for others.

O’Canas pointed out that everyone made bad choices that night they had to take responsibility.

The parent said they wanted teens to know that drinking and driving changes lives irreparably and shatters families.

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