SAN BENITO — Leo De La Cruz dashed toward the finish line amid the cheers of onlookers.
While the air filled with the sounds of runners and supporters, a sense of solemn purpose was everywhere.
De La Cruz, 55, had just completed a 5K Walk/Run at the Heavin Resaca Trail to raise money for the family of Nahomi Rodriguez.
“It’s for a good cause,” De La Cruz said as he sipped water.
The “cause” was funeral expenses for the young woman who disappeared in July after leaving work at a McDonald’s in Harlingen. The remains of the 19-year-old were discovered earlier this month near Rio Hondo. The Workout!!! gym in San Benito organized the run, asking a $10 donation from each runner to help the family. About 75 people showed up.
“We are worried,” said Nicole Russeau, 26, a relative who helped organize the event. She was visibly shaken for a moment as she considered Nahomi’s mother.
“We can’t understand what she’s going through,” Nicole said.
“Let’s go! Let’s go!” someone shouted while clapping for more runners. Shoes pounded paved trails past the resaca as water spewed from a fountain into the easy morning sun. A woman with a solemn face and frowning eyes looked on as if deep in thought.
Law enforcement appreciated the turnout of so many.
“It’s been a tremendous turnout,” Harlingen Police Chief Jeffry Adickes said. He quickly named the Texas Rangers, Texas Department of Public Safety, Department of Homeland Security, FBI and other agencies as those involved in the case. This is because she lived in San Benito, disappeared in Harlingen and was found in Rio Hondo.
“We’ve had hundreds and hundreds of leads,” he said. “There’s tremendous support from the community. People are coming in to help support the family.”
Nahomi’s aunt, Enedina Sanchez, had just completed the run.
“I remember her smile and her big heart,” said Sanchez, 34. “There’s a Nahomi in every family.”
