Bridge program student killed in auto accident

“He wanted to become someone and do more for his family,” said Julissa Garza, the office coordinator for the Office of Special Programs, about Eric Ivan Tavares.Tavares, an 18-year-old TAMIU student, was killed in an automobile accident earlier this month.According to the Laredo Morning Times, Tavares was seated in the front passenger seat when a U.S. Border Patrol truck broadsided the car he rode in. He sustained severe injuries and was taken to the hospital, but later died.”Eric was very private, but there was something in him. He wanted to do something with his life,” said Garza. Tavares participated in the TAMIU Bridge Program, which helps high school students transition into the university after graduating.Jennifer Raines, the program coordinator for Continuing Education at the Office of Special Programs, also recalled Tavares’s timid but hard- working character.”Eric was real quiet and real sweet. He was working to help out his family. He put in extra hours at work,” said Raines.Garza recalled that Tavares was always on time for the program and helped his parents take care of his younger brother and sister. Garza remembered one particular event for the Bridge Program in which Tavares was accompanied by his parents and siblings.”He was walking in front of his family. You could sense their pride in Eric. He was going to be the first generation in his family to go to college. I hope his siblings continue in his footsteps.”At the program’s first gathering since the accident, Garza expressed that Tavares’s classmates were still devastated over the young man’s death and requested that they not be interviewed.”Some are angry. Some are devastated. He will be greatly missed by his peers,” she said.An account is set up at the Business Office to assist the Tavares family with services. Those wishing to make contributions can visit the Business Office, located on the first floor of the Killam Library (administrative side), and deposit funds in account number 094143.