The driver of the black pickup truck involved in the fatal Deep River crash has finally spoken publicly for the first time since the March 2026 incident that claimed the life of 18-year-old Rodrigo “Rico” Montes. In his initial statement to investigators and later comments, the suspect described a brief argument with Rico moments before the vehicle overturned and plunged into the river near 27th Avenue and Wyoming Street in Lake Station, Indiana.

According to the driver, he and Rico were returning from a casual cookout when a short disagreement erupted inside the truck. He claims the argument was minor and quickly escalated, causing him to lose control of the vehicle, which then flipped and landed upside down in Deep River. The driver reportedly left the scene after the crash, sought medical treatment for minor injuries at a local hospital, and initially gave conflicting accounts before going silent for several days.

His version of events has immediately drawn scrutiny from investigators and the Montes family. Key details appear to contradict earlier witness statements, surveillance footage, and the evidence recovered from the scene — particularly Rico’s cellphone, which was found in the river still attempting to send a location pin to his family at 3:57 a.m. That timestamp suggests Rico was conscious and desperately trying to get help well after the crash occurred.

Rico had sent his mother a final reassuring text earlier that night: “Mom, I’m riding home with a friend, see you soon.” He never made it home. His body was recovered from the river on March 26 after an extensive search by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Dive Team. The driver’s claim of a “short argument” as the cause of the crash is now being examined closely, with police questioning whether the disagreement was truly minor or if something more serious occurred inside the truck.

Family members, including Rico’s brother Saul Montes, have expressed deep skepticism about the driver’s account. They described Rico as a kind, joyful teenager who was looking forward to graduation and had no history of getting into conflicts. The family has repeatedly stated that Rico was simply asking for a safe ride home and should never have ended up in the river.

The driver was taken into custody shortly after Rico’s body was found. He faces multiple charges, though specific details have not been fully released as the investigation continues. Authorities are reviewing toxicology results, vehicle data, and any available surveillance from the area to determine the exact sequence of events.

This latest development has intensified pain for the Montes family. The simple text Rico sent his mother and the unfinished location attempt from his phone have become heartbreaking symbols of his final moments. The family continues to grieve while calling for full transparency and justice.

Rico Montes was remembered as the beloved “baby” of a large, close-knit family. A senior at River Forest High School in Hobart, he was an athlete who wrestled, loved spending time with friends, and was eagerly anticipating graduation. His girlfriend Mila Soto and countless friends have shared emotional tributes, describing him as energetic, kind, and full of life.

The case has sparked widespread conversations in northwest Indiana about teen safety, the risks of late-night rides, and the importance of open communication between young people and their parents. Many are urging teenagers to always share their real-time location and to think carefully before getting into any vehicle when impairment or tension might be involved.

As the investigation moves forward, authorities are working to reconcile the driver’s statement with physical evidence, witness accounts, and forensic findings. The “short argument” claim has raised more questions than answers, and police have indicated they are treating the case with the utmost seriousness.

For the Montes family, every new detail brings both hope for truth and fresh waves of grief. The phone recovered from the river — still trying to send help at 3:57 a.m. — stands as silent proof that Rico fought until the very end to make it back home.

Rodrigo “Rico” Montes will be remembered not for how his life ended in Deep River, but for the love, laughter, and light he brought to everyone who knew him. His final text and his desperate, unfinished attempt to send his location will forever echo as the cry of a son who just wanted to see his mother again.

One innocent request for a ride home. One final reassuring text. One phone still fighting to send help at 3:57 a.m. And a driver’s story that now hangs in the balance.