I was extremely saddened to learn that my high school classmate, Dan Cortez, passed away in this weekend’s tragic accident near Center Point. The news struck me like a lightning bolt — the kind of grief that takes a moment to settle in because your heart refuses to believe it. Dan — or “Danny,” as many of us affectionately called him — was one of the kindest souls I had the privilege of knowing during our time at Tivy High School.
Danny wasn’t just a classmate; he was a familiar and friendly face during some of the most formative years of my life. We were in the same driver’s education class our sophomore year, back in 1983. I remember those days vividly — when learning to parallel park was a rite of passage and driving down Highway 16 toward Fredericksburg felt like the start of a great adventure. One day, while taking turns behind the wheel, a sudden and severe storm forced us to turn around and call it a day. I’ll never forget the nervous laughter, the shared glances in the rearview mirror, and the quiet relief of making it back safely. Those moments seem so small in the grand scheme of life, but now they feel immeasurable.
Our seating in classes often placed us near each other — I was the last of the B’s, and he was the first of the C’s. That little alphabetical coincidence meant we ended up side by side in several classrooms over the years. Danny was always easy to talk to. He had a calm demeanor, a warm smile, and the kind of genuine kindness that’s hard to come by, even back then.
In more recent years, we occasionally chatted — usually about the weather or local news. Nothing too deep, but just enough to rekindle that sense of familiarity that made him feel like an old friend, even when life had taken us in different directions.
That’s why this loss cuts so deeply. Danny wasn’t just a classmate. He was a good man, a devoted family member, and a gentle soul who didn’t deserve the cruel fate he met. It breaks my heart that this happened to such a good family — and what makes it worse is the senselessness of it all. His death, along with two others, was the result of intoxication manslaughter. Three lives lost — unnecessarily, tragically — because of one person’s reckless decision.
This shouldn’t have happened. Danny should still be here — living his life, laughing with his loved ones, and making memories that now will never be. It sickens me that this kind of tragedy still occurs, leaving families shattered and communities grieving.
To Danny, thank you for being a bright spot in my high school memories. Thank you for your kindness, your quiet presence, and the simple friendship we shared. You will be missed more than words can express.
Rest in peace, my friend. May your memory be a blessing, and may your loved ones find comfort in the outpouring of love from those of us who remember you so fondly.
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