Church remembers four family members killed in Texas crash

With tears in their the eyes, the people of Clays Mill Road Baptist Church held onto one another during a special service for the Avelar Family.

"They have been in our church for the past 15 years," says Pastor Jeff Fugate. "They have been an intricate part of every ministry of our church."

A church that is in shock after learning that Isreal Avelar, 46, and his three sons: Kevin Avelar, 17, Daniel Avelar, 14, and Matthew Avelar, 6, were all killed in a car accident.

"These four people are in heaven today and we're comforted knowing they are in heaven," Pastor Fugate told his congregation.

The crash happened on Highway 315 in Carthage, near Tyler, Texas. This is where the Avelar's were visiting family.

CBS 19 in Texas reports the family slowed down while a car in front of them waited to make a left turn. But the SUV behind them didn't slow down. Reports say the Avelar's were rear ended by another car, pushing them into an oncoming tractor trailer.

Three other family members were also in the van and survived the accident.

Pastor Fugate has been getting updates from the family. He says Isreal's wife, Hilda, is in critical condition, their daughter, Kimberly, 11, is in stable condition and his mom, Lazara, is in fair condition.

"We're certainly praying for the mother, the grandmother and the daughter that are still alive," says Rich Carr

Carr coached Kevin in basketball. Carr says Kevin and his brothers were inseparable.

"They were reached through one of the ministries of our church," explains Carr. "They were a fine family, loved each other."

Pastor Fugate describes the kids as young people of great respect and character. Qualities, he says, the boys learned from their father.

"He would go out every week inviting folks to church, giving the gospel to people personally."

Pastor Fugate tell us the Avelar's oldest daughter, who was not with the family at the time of the accident, has made her way down to Texas with the help of the church.