KAUFMAN COUNTY, TX — A Texas family is reeling from the loss of 18-year-old Brendan Ivy, killed in a hit-and-run crash on June 13, 2025, in northeast Kaufman County. Authorities are intensifying their search for the suspect, 37-year-old Victor Eduardo Mendoza Mondragon, who allegedly fled the scene after striking the young motorcyclist. The Ivy family and law enforcement are pleading for public assistance to bring the fugitive to justice.

The tragic collision occurred just after 11:00 p.m. at the intersection of FM 429 and County Road 346. Brendan Ivy was riding his motorcycle home from a Terrell restaurant when a 2004 Chevy Silverado, driven by Mondragon, allegedly sped through the intersection and collided with him. Investigators note that Mondragon was traveling westbound on County Road 346 and turned left onto FM 429, directly into the path of Ivy’s motorcycle. Evidence recovered from the abandoned vehicle included multiple alcohol containers, some empty, suggesting alcohol may have been a factor in the crash.

After the collision, Mondragon reportedly fled on foot, leaving Brendan at the scene. The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office has issued an active arrest warrant for Mondragon for failure to stop and render aid in a collision involving death. His family is believed to have left the Kaufman area, complicating efforts to locate him.

The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) are urging anyone with information on Mondragon’s whereabouts to come forward. Kaufman County Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $5,000 for tips leading to his arrest and indictment. Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 877-847-7522, through the Texas Crime Stoppers website, or via the DPS Mobile App.

**A Family’s Unimaginable Loss
The Ivy family’s grief is palpable as they mourn the loss of their youngest member. Brendan’s parents, Shanna and Tad Ivy, were alerted to the tragedy through the Life360 app, which showed Brendan’s location stalled for too long. “I checked Life360, and he was in one spot too long,” Shanna Ivy recounted tearfully. “I woke Tad and told him something was wrong. He went to see, and Brendan was gone. The person had fled the scene.”

Tad Ivy arrived at the crash site before law enforcement, finding his son still wearing his helmet and riding gear. “I held his hand,” Tad said, his voice breaking. “There was nothing they could do for him. He was gone instantly.”

Brendan’s older brother, Cameron, shared the profound void left by his sibling. “We fought like cats and dogs, but I loved the kid to death,” he said. “I’d trade places with him right now if I could give him a second chance at life.” Brendan was remembered as a vibrant young man who loved music, often jamming on drums or guitar with his brother Dustin. “He was a light in a dark place,” Dustin said. “If you were down, he’d always pick you up.”

**A Painful Irony
Adding a layer of heartbreak to the case, the Ivy family’s attorney, Geoffrey Schorr, revealed that Mondragon had lost his own 18-year-old son in an electrocution accident years prior. “For him to cause a crash that kills someone else’s son, knowing what it’s like to lose a child, and then leave Brendan there—I don’t know what kind of person does that,” Schorr said.

**Community Call to Action
As the search for Mondragon continues, the Ivy family and authorities are desperate for answers. “We’re living in a nightmare we can’t wake up from,” said Kelcee, a family member. “Time keeps moving, but it stays still for us.” The family believes someone knows Mondragon’s whereabouts and hopes they will come forward.

Brendan Ivy is remembered as a loving son and brother who took safety seriously, always wearing his helmet and gear. “He didn’t deserve this,” a family friend said. “He did everything right, and now his parents are left with this unbearable pain.”

Anyone with information about Victor Eduardo Mendoza Mondragon is urged to contact Kaufman County Crime Stoppers at 877-847-7522. Anonymous tips could lead to a cash reward and, more importantly, justice for Brendan Ivy.

**Victim:**
– Brendan Ivy, 18
– Killed on June 13, 2025, while riding his motorcycle
– Cherished as a loving son, brother, and musician

**Suspect:**
– Victor Eduardo Mendoza Mondragon, 37
– Wanted for failure to stop and render aid in a fatal collision
– Last known to be in Kaufman County, fled on foot after crash
– Considered a wanted fugitive