“ Jacqui’s Story” Jacqui Saburido was young and beautiful. Then she was burned alive.

In 1999, 20 year old Jacqueline Saburido left her family and friends in Venezuela to come to Austin, Texas. She traded flamingo dancing and jet skiing for an adventure in a new country and the chance to learn English.

In 1999, 20 year old Jacqueline Saburido left her family and friends in Venezuela to come to Austin, Texas.

She traded flamingo dancing and jet skiing for an adventure in a new country and the chance to learn English.

Reggie Stephey was a senior at Lake Travis High School near Austin. He played baseball and football. College was in his future.

Reggie Stephey was a senior at Lake Travis High School near Austin. He played baseball and football.

One of his prized possessions was the SUV he had customized.

Early one Sunday morning in the fall of 1999, Jacqui’s and Reggie’s paths crossed.

Early one Sunday morning in the fall of 1999, Jacqui’s and Reggie’s paths crossed.

In a split second, their lives would be changed forever. Austin Police Department

In a split second, their lives would be changed forever.

Early on Sunday morning, Jacqui - then 20 years old - and four friends were on their way home from a birthday party.

Early on Sunday morning, Jacqui - then 20 years old - and four friends were on their way home from a birthday party.

At the same time Jacqui was on her way home, Reggie was driving home, too. But he was drunk.

On a dark road on the outskirts of Austin, Texas, Reggie's SUV veered into the Oldsmobile carrying Jacqui and the others. Two passengers in the car were killed at the scene and two were rescued.

On a dark road on the outskirts of Austin, Texas, Reggie's SUV veered into the Oldsmobile carrying Jacqui and the others.

Two passengers in the car were killed at the scene and two were rescued.

Within minutes, the car caught fire. Jacqui was pinned in the front seat on the passenger side. She was burned over 60% of her body, stuck in the flames for nearly 45 seconds; no one thought she could survive. But Jacqui lived.

Within minutes, the car caught fire. Jacqui was pinned in the front seat on the passenger side. She was burned over 60% of her body, stuck in the flames for nearly 45 seconds; no one thought she could survive. But Jacqui lived.

Jacqui was barely alive when she arrived at the hospital. She was burned over most of her body. Her hair was gone. Her eyes were scorched. So were her nose and her ears. She was almost completely blind. Fingers on both of her hands had to be amputated. © 2002 Austin American-Statesman

Jacqui was barely alive when she arrived

at the hospital. She was burned over most

of her body.

The following slides tell the story more poignantly than words.

The following slides tell the story more poignantly than words.