TRIGGER WARNING: This post contains information about stillbirth and infant loss, which may be triggering to some.
A Las Vegas family is finding comfort in the justice system while still mourning a significant loss. Rebekah Dauz, husband Chester, their son Isaiah, and their daughter were driving home from an ultrasound appointment where they got to see a 4D image of their unborn son. Riding off the high of having gotten a good look at their baby boy, the family traveled home. During that drive, however, they were involved in a four-car crash.
Rebekah and Isaiah were rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, and sadly, their baby boy didn’t survive. Thankfully, the man who caused the crash will be in prison for at least a decade and a half.
They had no idea their joy would soon turn to sadness.
About 2:20 p.m. on September 6, 2025, a multi-vehicle accident happened when the driver of a Jeep drove into an intersection against a red light, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department announced in a news release. That driver was identified as Maximiliano Chavez.
According to police, several occupants riding in a Subaru received “substantial injuries” as a result of the crash and were taken to a local trauma hospital.
“One of the passengers, who was pregnant, required emergency surgery in an attempt to save her unborn child,” the statement read. “The child was successfully delivered; however, despite all life-saving efforts, the child did not survive.
“The driver of the Jeep exhibited signs of impairment and was subsequently booked into the Clark County Detention Center for DUI-related offenses,” the statement added.
Chavez has had his time in court.
In February 2026, Chavez pleaded guilty to two counts of driving under the influence resulting in substantial bodily harm and one count of reckless driving, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. Originally, he was charged with seven felonies: three counts of DUI and four of reckless driving.
Two of the charges were related to the death of the baby. During Chavez’ sentencing on May 7, 2026, his lawyer said those charges were dropped as part of his plea agreement.
In a GoFundMe account for Dauz and her family created by her sister-in-law, more details were given about the horrific accident and its impact on the family.
“What began as a day of celebration of life ended in tragedy, pain, and the beginning of a long, emotional road to healing,” the description shares.
Dauz, who was seven months pregnant, had gathered their extended family to attend their baby’s 4D ultrasound.
“We watched in awe as he smiled, sucked on his thumb, and moved around so full of life. We heard his strong heartbeat echo in the room, and we were all overwhelmed with love and excitement,” the fundraiser reads. “That moment felt like a celebration of the life we were all preparing to welcome with open arms. We never imagined that soon after, everything would change.”
Dauz and her other son, Isaiah, were in the ICU and kept apart to heal from their injuries.
“We were blessed with a truly beautiful moment today. The nursing staff kindly wheeled Rebekah over to visit Isaiah, and in that moment, he spoke his very first word since the accident—he looked at her and said, “Mom,'” the fundraiser reads. “There wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Later, he whispered, “I love you too,” which made the moment even more precious.”
Throughout September, updates were shared, showing how Dauz and Isaiah were healing. On September 29, 2025, the mother and son were finally reunited at home after their extended hospital stays.
Chavez has been sentenced to decades in prison.
District Judge Tara Newberry ordered him to serve 16 to 40 years in prison, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported. Without the plea deal, he faced 39 to 93 years in prison because he has past DUI offenses.
Dauz spoke during the sentencing, sharing insight into how the crash drastically changed her life.
“Physically and emotionally, every scar on my body is a reminder of that day and my loss,” she said, adding that she has nightmares about her son’s ultrasound.
Her husband asked the judge to impose the maximum sentence. Isaiah also spoke, offering forgiveness for Chavez.
“I am still healing and recovering slowly, but I believe I will continue to be better with time,” the 9-year-old said, Law & Crime reported. “I also want Mr. Chavez to know that I forgive him and I will be praying for him.”
