Mother of Seven Found Dead in Submerged Car - Details

The life of a mother known for her warmth and devotion to her children came to a sudden and heartbreaking end, leaving her loved ones clinging to memories while grappling with questions that remain unanswered.

A 39-year-old mother of seven, later identified as Consuelo Bernabe, was discovered dead after her Dodge Caravan was recovered from the Brazos River on August 18, 2025. This is a tragedy that has left her family and community in shock.

On Monday, the Waco Police Department recovered the maroon minivan from the river near N. University Parks Drive and Jefferson Avenue, where they found the body of Consuelo inside.

In an update on August 21, 2025, police reported that initial findings pointed to drowning as the cause of death. They noted that the final autopsy results were still pending and that, so far, no foul play had been indicated.

Police classified the incident as a "questionable death" and noted that the investigation is still underway.

Consuelo, who lived in Rosebud, was last seen on Friday, August 15. In the days that followed, her children attempted to locate her, turning to social media in the hope of finding leads.

One of her daughters, Maria Romero, shared a post on Facebook reporting her mother missing and asking for help from anyone who might have seen her in Waco.

One of her sons, David Romero, was present when his mother's vehicle was found and said the circumstances felt unusual, noting that it was unlike her to be unreachable since she typically kept her phone close and stayed in contact.

When the van was removed from the river, relatives learned the outcome they had been dreading. David then remembered her as a devoted mother whose life revolved around caring for her children.

David explained that he and his siblings, ranging from young children to adults, are finding it difficult to cope with their mother's death, as memories of their life together continue to resurface. Consuelo's oldest child, Hermelinda Romero, also expressed her deep affection for her mother, saying she will carry her memory with her always.

The oldest child further shared both grief and concern about the situation, explaining that their mother was last seen at a bar in Lott and had phoned family members to say she was waiting for someone to pick her up. She reiterated that it was unusual for her mother not to return home or stay in contact, which left the family questioning what might have happened.

The family has requested that authorities thoroughly investigate the case, raising concerns that the circumstances may not have been accidental. "If someone is involved we just want to know why, why my mom. She was the sweetest person ever to everybody [sic]," Hermelinda said.

After her mother's passing was confirmed, Maria expressed her grief online, sharing a heartfelt message that reflected the closeness of their bond and her longing to see her mother's smile again.

A GoFundMe page started by Hermelinda portrayed Consuelo, also known as Connie, as a caring and selfless woman, sharing the family’s shock and heartbreak over her sudden passing.

"Anyone who knows my mom knows that she always had a smile on her face. She was very loved by her friends and family. She had the sweetest soul ever, and she never met a stranger. My mom would never hesitate to help whoever needed anything; always taking care of others in need," the fundraiser reads.

In the campaign, Hermelinda further highlighted her mother's strength and devotion, describing her as someone who remained kind through life's challenges, worked tirelessly, and always made her children her priority.

​With the assistance of the Waco Fire dive team, Texas Game Wardens, and Tow King, police were able to recover the vehicle from the river. Authorities have not yet determined how long it was submerged or what caused it to end up there, but the investigation remains active.

While the cause of the tragedy remains under review, Consuelo's children are determined to honor her memory, carrying forward the love, warmth, and resilience she instilled in them.