A Las Vegas man has received a sentence of 16 to 40 years in prison after being found responsible for a devastating car crash that led to the death of an unborn child and caused serious injuries to multiple individuals. Maximiliano Chavez, 28, was sentenced on May 7 following events that unfolded on September 6, 2025, when he ran a red traffic light, crashing into another vehicle that was turning left. The resulting collision involved four vehicles in total and had dire consequences.
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The incident claimed the life of Rebekah Dauz’s unborn baby, who was tragically lost while she was seven months pregnant. At the time of the crash, Dauz was returning home with her 9-year-old son, Isaiah, after a joyous 4D ultrasound appointment to celebrate the upcoming addition to their family. In a statement on a GoFundMe page set up to support the family, Marie Slife, the campaign’s organiser, expressed the joyful anticipation the family had felt just prior to the life-altering event: “Just before the accident, our family had gathered together for something truly special… We never imagined that soon after, everything would change.”
Following the collision, both Dauz and her son sustained life-threatening injuries and were rushed to a local hospital. In an attempt to save her unborn child, Dauz underwent emergency surgery, but sadly, despite doctors’ efforts, her baby boy did not survive. Officials from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) confirmed that the child was delivered, but all lifesaving attempts were ultimately in vain.
Chavez was arrested at the scene after displaying signs of impairment. In addition to facing charges for running the red light, he was subsequently charged with three counts of driving under the influence (DUI) and four counts of reckless driving. His case culminated in a plea deal, where Chavez pleaded guilty to two counts of DUI resulting in substantial bodily harm and one count of reckless driving.
The court proceedings culminated on May 7 with Chavez’s sentencing in Clark County. The lengthy prison sentence reflects the severity of his actions and the devastating consequences of the crash, which not only took a life but also has deeply affected the lives of the surviving family members.
In the aftermath of the devastating collision, a heartwarming moment arose on September 26, 2025, when Dauz finally reunited with her son after their separation during hospital care. Emotional footage captured the moment when they embraced in the corridors of Sunrise Hospital, expressing the profound joy of being together again amidst the trauma they had both endured.
The family’s GoFundMe campaign has been supported generously by the community, raising over £23,000 to assist with the medical costs incurred from the incident. This outpouring of support has provided some relief during an unimaginably difficult time for Dauz and her family.
As this tragic case continues to resonate within the community, it serves as a somber reminder of the consequences of impaired driving and the lasting impact of such incidents on families. In light of the situation, the LVMPD encourages drivers to remain vigilant and responsible behind the wheel to prevent future tragedies.
People have expressed their outrage, and many are actively following the developments of this case. The Clark County District Court has been approached for further comment regarding the court proceedings and the judge’s rationale for the sentence handed to Chavez. This incident is yet another in a series of reminders about the critical importance of road safety and the need for responsible driving practices.