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New Details about Party that Preceded Deadly Accident Save Email Print
Posted: 2:23 PM Aug 8, 2008
 Last Updated: 9:29 PM Aug 8, 2008
 Reporter: Ashlea Sigman
Email Address: sigman@kbtx.com
37 comments
A | A | A

It was early Sunday morning when the party wrapped up in Park Meadows.

"There was alcohol involved and they were having an alcohol party," said Bryan Police Chief Ty Morrow.

Kalyn Plagens was there.

"I was at the sweet 16, it was for Kadee and we had left cause my sister had a curfew at one," said Plagens.

Kalyn Plagens and her sister Kadee knew the Benavides brothers well, and were even closer to Alex Dicky.

"I lived with Alex for probably three months," said Plagens. "My sister has lived with Alex for about a year. We just moved out last week when Tricia, when Alex's mom had left."

Plagens says with Alex's mother out of the country, Alex's house was the perfect place to host a sweet 16 party.

"Cause Alex's house is big," said Plagens.

Although Police say the alcohol served at the party likely contributed to the wreck, Plagens says she didn't see any.

"We had left and there was no alcohol while we were there," said Plagens.

MySpace posts and pictures show the underage group was no stranger to alcohol, but Plagens doesn't believe it was alcohol that took the lives of driver Dillon Benavides and his passengers.

"Alcohol may have played a factor but I think most of it was just him having the new car," said Plagens.

Friends say the car involved in the crash was Dillon's. Police say it belonged to Alex's mother.

The medical examiner has not yet determined what killed the teens, and toxicology reports will be released later.

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Posted by: Anonymous Location: Bryan, TX on Sep 5, 2008 at 10:34 PM
You are right, the family is reading these comments. Do you really think that the family is not already thinking these same thoughts? Let the family deal with it and mind your own business - I know the whole community is is shock and everyone loved Alex but we need to let this mother grieve... if you know the mother you would know that she is a wonderful person, always there to help a person out. Don't blame her, teenagers are going to do what they want to do even if they have to sneak off to do it. We were all that age, some of us a long time ago, we all did stupid things, Alex, Dillon & Gus did a dumb thing, unfortunetly it cost them their lives... it is a shame but please please please pray for these families. They are in enough pain. No more birthdays, no more holidays, not grand children.... think of how this will affect them. Let Alex rest in peace and let her mother try to live on and share her fond memories of her only chld. Alex was a good kid --- again, we all make mistakes.
Posted by: Zena Location: Bryan on Aug 12, 2008 at 08:25 PM
One Mother To Another.... As they sit at home all by there self they think of there child now consuming heavens wealth Forced to let go at such a young age Seems like the stories end but its just the hardest page For us here on earth, the ones left behind Seems somewhat cruel and harshly unkind As a parent we hope for more time and a better place But in time we shall see them under Gods saveing grace Just as the bible speaks of Gods unconditional love Thats our written guarantee that there smiling from heaven above So put away your silent's, sadness and tears Your child is with God now, have no more fears Just think of good memories and God's saving grace Because he gave your child first in life's troubled race So rest easy, your child won't be sad and never alone Because the Lord leads there hand and calls them his own Joe's Mom
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 12, 2008 at 11:44 AM
Vivian: If the family doesn't like the truthful comments here, why are they reading them. Why don't you post your concerned, loving comments in the obituaries section. No one is posting there. We are remembering the way these kids lived -- as underaged drunk drivers. I have family members that live on the streets that these kids raced on and I'm not happy about it. The comments posted here tell how the community feels about minors drinking and drinking, as well as irresponsible parents. People should be held accountable for their actions.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 12, 2008 at 11:19 AM
To Concerned Parents: Do not blame the neighbors. It is not their fault. It is not the neighbors responsibility what goes on at Alex's house. Her mother did not tell the neighbors that she was going out of the country. And, some of the neighbors on the street were out of town themselves that night. Her house is located on a large lot at the end of a deadend street. On one side of her lot a house is being built so nobody lives there yet. It was concerned Park Meadow residents that called the police when the noise and racing moved to the pool parking lot and into the streets. This was not the first time that neighbors have been awaken in the middle of the night to racing in the streets by these irresponsible teenagers.
Posted by: Teenage Parent Location: Bryan, TX on Aug 12, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Unfortunately teens are going to drink regardless if parents are or are not home, it's been going on for ages. However, laws are set for a reason, particularlly the legal drinking age. Legal blame should be taken by someone whether or not the alcohol was in the house or bought by someone of legal age. The law was broken despite the tragic outcome!! This will never happen for fear of being a "narc" on this whole situation. One girl who FINALLY spoke up (truth or not) is being ridiculed and harrassed just for doing this. So this will not be an easy task for anyone. But someone needs to do the right thing to prevent such tragedies in the future for other teens so their parents, family and friends are not the one grieving.
Posted by: CS Mom of 2 Location: CS on Aug 12, 2008 at 09:39 AM
Thanks for clearing that up. You are right....I called myself reading it but guess I over looked it cus I had watched the story on the news the night before. Guess I missed it!! Yes this is a very tragic acciedent.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 11, 2008 at 06:59 PM
Recently the Plagens girls were told they could no longer live there because it was against the Park Meadow Home Owner's Assoc. rules. I don't know why they thought they could still host a party there.
Posted by: carla Location: bedias on Aug 11, 2008 at 06:42 PM
First and for most my heart, thoughts and prayers go out to all the families involved in this tragic accident. I wanted to comment on the comment left pertaining to letting the story go and dropping the subject.If the teens deaths are traced back to alcohol I would hope every parent reading takes warning.The only good that can come of such a tragic loss is hopefully saving the life of another.We attended a funeral of a 22 year old man just last week in Burton, TX. I kept waiting during the funeral for the pastor to please take the opportunity to stress to the young folks in the crowd the dangers of alcohol.My point is I know you are hurting but maybe by sharing this story a life can be saved. God Bless you
Posted by: concerned parent Location: bryan on Aug 11, 2008 at 06:04 PM
NEIGHBORS where were you the night of the party???? Loud noise, underage people, lots of people, and neighbors (parents) out of town on vacation would certainly be a RED FLAG that something was not right next door. You should have called the Police to report this activity, so that these kids would be alive today. MIP'S and DUI's are better than burial of your children. Kid's, alcohol and drugs are just not worth the risk. You are our future, don't mess up your life.
Posted by: me Location: Bryan on Aug 11, 2008 at 05:39 PM
This is the same old story - teens and alcohol - and it doesn't seem like anyone ever learns. It would be nice to think that the other kids at this party would think twice before drinking and driving, but I do not believe they will. Three lives lost, no lesson learned.
Posted by: Jv Location: Bryan on Aug 11, 2008 at 05:06 PM
Response to CS mom of 2, You were confused about one of the girls living with Trish, and having to leave because one of them had a curfew @ 1am...If you will read above it says,.... "I lived with Alex for probably three months," said Plagens. "My sister has lived with Alex for about a year. We just moved out last week when Tricia, when Alex's mom had left." So the girl had just moved out of Tricia's house about a week before the accident.. This is a terrible, terrible situation. My heart goes out to both families. A parent just shouldnt have to bury their children..I know that feeling...No I didnt lose my 1st born to a accident, but all the same I know the feeling.
Posted by: Bryan Mom Location: Bryan on Aug 11, 2008 at 04:48 PM
This tragedy could have happened with the parent being there true ...BUT WHAT IN THE WORLD WAS THIS MOTHER THINKING..GOING OUT OF THE COUNTY AND LEAVING HER HOME TO TEENAGERS !! I REALLY DON'T UNDERSTAND THAT AT ALL !
Posted by: CS Mom of 2!! Location: College Station!! on Aug 11, 2008 at 12:31 PM
I have a problem with this girls interview with the news. She said the party was at Alex's house. She said her sister lived with this Alex girl for how ever long, but then turned around and said they left because her sisters cerfew was at one. Is it just me or am I the only one confused? Wish my curfew was 1am when I was younger!!!
Posted by: Vivian Location: Bryan on Aug 11, 2008 at 12:03 PM
kbtx: this is enough already, your not getting anywhere with all this drama. i think you should just close this story and not allow anymore comments, because i know family members are reading this.Just Let This Go Already, The Damage Is done and the kis are gone, let them be remembered for how they lived not how they passed.. praying for the families..
Posted by: Jill Location: BCS on Aug 11, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Kayln, you really should be ashamed of yourself. As much as Tricia has done for you and your messed up family, you should not be running your mouth this way. Tricia is a good person an would always be there to help someone out. Regardless if it was a sweet 16 for your sister who is far from sweet you were the adult there you should have put a stop to it all, you know the party in the big house. You know that nothing good comes from alcohol, but I am sure you did not mentally think about that. What if the shoe had been on your foot and you lost your baby or your sister, what would you have been thinking then? No matter who bought the alchol you were there which you were not suppose to be there and I know that for a fact, you still should have put your pregnant foot down and said no party! and we need to get out of here. How ever like I said you don;t have that mental capability.
Posted by: ginny Location: cove on Aug 11, 2008 at 10:19 AM
to Why: first off learn to spell. stop spewing your hateful venom!! we are NOT stupid , they were at a teenage DRINKING party. from all i've read this happens ALL the time in YOUR town.the parents should be watching their kids.i've raised 3 boys they will do EVERYTHING they think they can get away with!!. stop blaming all the posters, if you don't want to hear it stay away from these blogs this is America we have every right to state our opinions. GOD BLESS everyone in your town.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 11, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Civil Lawyers are warming up on this one. The DA also.
Posted by: whY Location: @ here on Aug 10, 2008 at 10:51 PM
ok...first of all. How dare ALL of you who are debating on all of this. I mean what is wrong with you people. Gus Senior lost two of his songs and is great pain, and yall are all sitting around blaming it on this person or that person. Noone should be judging anyone but themselves. Its not your place. Its Gods place. Its actully quite sad how you have nothing to do but to be concerned with this and writting false, hurtful statements. Just let it go! let the teenagers leave in great memory and let their families, and friends live in comfort with out having to read all this JUNK or hearing about all this JUNK. you should be ashamed of yourselves. If it was you in their place...how would you feel? thing about it. GOD will be the last to judge.. not you.
Posted by: Jason Location: N Zulch on Aug 10, 2008 at 01:50 PM
RK I've been to plenty of parties with my teenage friends where there wasn't alcohol don't paint all of us with the same brush. And I agree we should leave it to God for the final judgement but its human to want to learn from others mistakes. I'm sad to see the three of them die but at least they didn't hurt any innocent victims who might have been in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Posted by: Rk Location: Bryan on Aug 9, 2008 at 11:03 AM
That's the problem! no one was watching the house, the mother left a 15 year old by herself to go on vacation! and knowing that she was going to drink. of course there was alcohol at the party. I have never seen a teen party without alcohol, there would not be anyone there if there is no alcohol, all the teens think drinking and acting like idiots is cool.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 9, 2008 at 09:34 AM
"Plagens says with Alex's mother out of the country, Alex's house was the perfect place to host a sweet 16 party.".... Was it a perfect place to have a party BECAUSE there were no adults around? At that age I wasn't an angel either and don't expect my 15 year old to be so I make sure I'm around. Not being self-righteous here, just remembering the stunts I pulled at that age. THANK GOD my parents kept their eyes on me. My life could easily have ended the same way.
Posted by: Observer Location: Waco on Aug 9, 2008 at 08:48 AM
Actions have consequences! ALL actions ALWAYS have consequences, whether positive or negative! Sadly, those consequences may not be what was intended at all. I do believe young people should drive the old clunkers that barely run, just as they did twenty, thirty years ago as a first car..the "hot, cool" car built to "go fast" will tempt most kids to drive it way too "fast" to be safe! Seen that happen way too many times! Actions by all parties seem to have had horrific consequences. Tragically, Poor Choices leading to actions have had horrific consequences in this whole affair. Easy to tell immature young people to make wise choices. Hard for some of them to make the wise choices that could save their lives. A real tragedy all the way around!
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 9, 2008 at 08:40 AM
When I was a teen I attended parties where there were no parents and alcohol was made available - generally by older friends of the host. In a situation where a parent leaves their teen at home while they leave the country - they must have had some reason to trust this young lady - or their judgement in her was just off. Teens and alchohol typically are not a good mix, and when you factor in the driving inexperience (someone else's car) and the wrecklessness of a teenage boy.. well... there you go. I'm sure they just intended to 'have a good time' and this was the consequence.
Posted by: DB Location: Bryan on Aug 9, 2008 at 06:46 AM
I guess I would have to ask why a mother would leave her 15 year old daughter alone in a big house? I know the mom is hurting, but she has to be asking herself the same question.
Posted by: response to "a friend" Location: bryan on Aug 9, 2008 at 02:03 AM
TO FRIEND: YOU ARE SO RIGHT. NOTHING WILL BRING THEM BACK,BUT HOPEFULLY SOMETHING SAID WILL KEEP SOMEBODY ELSES' CHILD FROM DYING BEHIND STUPIDITY. AND MAYBE SOME PARENT WILL SEE THAT YOU CANNOT TRUST A CHILD TO DO THE RIGHT THING WHEN LEFT ALONE, IN A HOUSE W/ACCESS TO CARS,AND FRIENDS. TEMPTATION IS TOO GREAT. TELL EVERY TEEN YOU KNOW ABOUT THE SAD FUNERAL, AND HOW HEARTBREAKING IT WAS. AND THE SADDEST PART: IT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED HAD THEY MADE BETTER CHOICES.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 8, 2008 at 07:10 PM
From Texas Department of Family and Protective services: What is neglectful supervision? Answer: Adults who are attentive and aware of children's behaviors are in the best position to safeguard their well-being. When children are not adequately supervised, it may be considered “neglectful supervision”, which means: Placing a child in or failing to remove a child from a situation that a reasonable person would realize requires judgment or actions beyond the child's level of maturity, physical condition or mental abilities and that results in bodily injury or substantial risk of immediate harm to the child.
Posted by: Barbara Location: Bryan on Aug 8, 2008 at 06:25 PM
I live in that neighborhood, know some of the people who attended that party and feel so very sad for the families. Please people..Stop being so judgemental. It has happened and the best thing for these kids now, is to learn from this experience. God rest the souls of the departed. *Really people, stop judging, let God do that. Have respect for the family and friends.
Posted by: anonymous Location: college station on Aug 8, 2008 at 05:09 PM
Just pathetic parenting all around.
Posted by: RJ Location: Texas on Aug 8, 2008 at 04:59 PM
OMG! One parent was out of the country! What the hell! Who was watching the house? Did any of the other friends' families bother to check in on all of this? There needs to be some additional investigation into these parents. I'm sorry but this is not right. There should've been someone there. Who cares if it was a new vehicle? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to show if alcohol was at the party, then most likely they drove drunk, adding to their own lack of judgment. This could've been preventable, but most people are just like, "hey, they did something stupid, back off." No, they died for nothing because no one truly cared enough to watch over them and protect them. I am so sorry, so very, very sorry.
Posted by: a friend Location: cs on Aug 8, 2008 at 04:14 PM
No matter what went on preceding this accident, this morning I attended a funeral that is the SADDEST I have ever known. My mind lingers on the senselessness. I struggle with anger toward Alex for the decisions she made, but it won't change the outcome, so I put the anger aside and just hurt for all involved. Nothing will bring them back - not blame, not 'Who did this or that?', not even 'Who bought the alcohol?'. It is not productive. Will it change what happened? Will it erase the memory I will forever have of the funeral and of Alex's mom sobbing uncontrollably? Nothing that is asked here, commented here or reported here is going to bring Alex back to her. She will live with that all of her days. Next week, we will all be back to our daily lives, but these families will not. This is all just 'news stories' to us, but, to the families, it is their lives from this point forward. I am so sorry that the world lost Alex and her two friends. Please pray for them and their families.
Posted by: the Doctor Location: Bryan on Aug 8, 2008 at 02:37 PM
They knew what they were doing. This Plagen person is not helping their cause by opening her mouth.
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