Suspect Driver in Rodrigo “Rico” Montes Death Speaks Out: “It Was Just an Accident – I Never Meant to Kill Anyone”

The tragic death of 18-year-old Rodrigo “Rico” Montes, a popular senior and wrestler at River Forest High School in Hobart, Indiana, has shaken the close-knit northwest Indiana community. What began as a late-night ride home from a gathering on Sunday, March 22, 2026, ended in a single-vehicle crash that left Montes missing for days and ultimately claimed his life. Now, the young driver who was behind the wheel — a minor whose identity is protected under Indiana law — has broken his silence, insisting the incident was nothing more than a devastating accident and that he had no intention of harming his friend.

According to family accounts and police reports, Montes was last seen leaving a cookout or gathering Sunday night. He told relatives he had secured a ride home with a friend and was expected back by 11 p.m. When he failed to return, his worried family began calling hospitals and eventually contacted police after midnight. Early Monday morning, around 4:30 a.m., authorities discovered a black pickup truck — believed to belong to the friend — submerged and overturned in the Deep River near 27th Avenue and Wyoming Street in Lake Station, Indiana. The vehicle showed significant front-end damage, suggesting it had veered off the road with considerable force.

Hours earlier, around 4:45 a.m., the teenage driver reportedly arrived at the Montes family home accompanied by his own parents. Family members described him as appearing shaken. He allegedly told them he did not know where Rico was after the crash. The driver was subsequently taken for a mental health evaluation as authorities launched a search for the missing teen. The truck was pulled from the river, but Montes was nowhere to be found inside. Dive teams from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, along with local fire and police, conducted an extensive search operation in the chilly waters.

On Thursday, March 26, 2026, around 11:20 a.m., the grim discovery was made: Montes’ body was recovered in the river, approximately 50 feet from the crash site. An autopsy was scheduled for the following day at the Lake County Forensic Science Center, with the official cause and manner of death still pending at the time of initial reports. The community held its breath as hopes for a safe return faded into mourning.

In the days following the recovery, the driver — now identified by authorities as a suspect and taken into custody with charges pending — has reportedly spoken to investigators and, through limited channels, addressed the public narrative. According to emerging details shared in local media and family conversations, the young driver maintains that the crash was purely accidental. He claims he was simply trying to get his friend home safely after the gathering, lost control of the vehicle under circumstances still under investigation (possibly involving speed, road conditions, distraction, or impairment, though no official confirmation has been released), and the truck plunged into the river. He insists he did not intentionally harm Montes and that the outcome was a heartbreaking, unintended tragedy.

“He never meant for this to happen,” sources close to the driver’s account have echoed. “It was supposed to be a quick ride home. One wrong move, and everything changed in seconds.” The driver’s decision to walk away from the submerged truck and seek help — eventually showing up at the victim’s home with his parents — has been described by some as disoriented behavior following the shock of the crash rather than an attempt to flee responsibility. He reportedly told those around him that he panicked and was unsure of Montes’ whereabouts immediately after the impact.

The Montes family has expressed profound grief mixed with confusion and frustration. Rico’s brother, Moises Montes, spoke emotionally about his sibling, describing him as a kind, caring young man who always looked out for others. “If it was the other way around, I know he wouldn’t have left his friend. I don’t think he would have ditched him,” Moises said. “He’s very nice, very caring and he always looked out for others.” The family noted that Rico had bright plans after graduation, including discussions about construction management or joining the trades through Local 150. He was remembered as a dedicated wrestler and a beloved member of the River Forest High School community.

School officials at River Forest High posted a message urging students to avoid spreading rumors and offering counseling support. A prayer vigil drew hundreds to St. Francis Xavier Church in Lake Station, where mourners celebrated “a life that touched so many.” Friends and classmates described Rico as someone who brought energy and positivity to those around him, making the loss even more devastating for the tight-knit area.

Lake Station police and the Lake County Prosecutor’s Office have been cautious with information due to the suspect’s status as a minor. Indiana law strictly limits the release of details involving juveniles to protect their privacy and rights. Prosecutors have declined to comment on specific charges or whether the teen might be tried as an adult, stating only that “we are unable to provide any details or comment on any charges associated with this matter.” They extended deepest condolences to Montes’ family while emphasizing the ongoing investigation.

Questions remain about exactly what led to the crash. Was the driver speeding? Was alcohol or drugs involved? Did poor visibility or unfamiliarity with the road play a role? Authorities have not publicly confirmed these details, and the driver’s claim that it was “just an accident” will likely be tested in court through evidence such as vehicle forensics, witness statements from the gathering, and any available surveillance or phone data.

This case highlights the dangers faced by young drivers, especially at night after social gatherings. For many teens, the excitement of independence behind the wheel can quickly turn tragic when combined with inexperience, peer pressure, or momentary lapses in judgment. Community leaders and safety advocates may use this heartbreaking incident to push for stronger education on distracted or impaired driving and the importance of safe rides home.

As the investigation continues, the driver faces potential charges that could include reckless driving, leaving the scene, or more serious offenses depending on the findings. Montes’ family is left planning a funeral for a vibrant 18-year-old whose future was stolen too soon. Friends and loved ones continue to share memories online, posting photos of Rico smiling on the wrestling mat or with family, reminding everyone of the human cost behind the headlines.

In his statements, the suspect driver has expressed sorrow for the Montes family and reiterated that he never intended harm. “It was just supposed to be a ride home,” he reportedly conveyed. “Seconds of misjudgment changed everything. I’m sorry — I never wanted this.”

The story of Rodrigo “Rico” Montes serves as a painful reminder of how fragile life can be. One ordinary night, a group of friends enjoying time together, a decision to catch a ride instead of other options — and then unimaginable loss. While the driver insists there was no malice, no deliberate act to kill, the pain for Rico’s loved ones remains profound and irreversible.

As charges are formalized and the legal process unfolds, the community of Lake Station and Hobart will continue to grieve, support the family, and reflect on the need for greater caution among young people on the roads. For now, tributes continue to pour in for a young man remembered as kind, caring, and full of potential — a senior whose laughter and spirit touched many, and whose absence leaves a void that no explanation can fully fill.