The 23rd Senatorial District Tejano Democrats

A candlelight vigil will be held tomorrow night for all the families affected by last Thursday’s devastating explosion.

We thank all of our DFR firefighters for all they did and we think this goes above and beyond after everything that’s happened.

Dallas firefighters surprise girl on birthday after losing mom and brother in apartment explosion After losing her mother and little brother in a deadly Dallas apartment explosion, 10-year-old Vanessa Perez got a birthday surprise she'll never forget. Dallas firefighters answered her wish with a special visit that brought smiles during an unimaginable time.

Many of our members are quoted in this article. Our Chair, Omar Jimenez including other members spoke at last night’s vigil. If you missed it, scroll down to the live recorded feed.

A vigil brought residents, faith leaders, elected officials and community organizers together Friday night to mourn the three people killed and support families displaced by the fire.

bit.ly/3QeJvDn

3:00 PM Update 5/30/2026

Contact:
Omar Jimenez, Chair
[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The 23rd Senatorial District Tejano Democrats mourn the loss of Sergeant-at-Arms Sylvia Collins

DALLAS, Texas – May 30, 2026. While all of us were hoping for the best, it is with great sadness and pain to announce the passing of our member and Sergeant-at-Arms, Sylvia Collins.

Sergeant-at-Arms Collins was among the victims identified following Thursday’s gas explosion at her residence in The Clyde Apartments in Oak Cliff.

“This is a true loss not only for us, but to the entire Oak Cliff Community and beyond, where she made an impact,” said Chair Omar Jimenez. “Sergeant-at-Arms Collins has been with our organization since the beginning of its inception in 2018. She always had a heart to serve others and the passion for her beliefs when it comes to the most important issues that we face in the city, state, and nation. I also want to thank all of our members who were there at the scene when the news broke to check on Ms. Sylvia and stayed into the evening. We all cared for her, and this is what she would have done as well.”

We thank all elected officials, Democratic Party leaders in Dallas, Tarrant, and surrounding counties, and across the state; Dallas County Democratic clubs; candidates; and, most importantly, the community members and Democratic activists throughout the Metroplex who have shared their thoughts and support. We need them now more than ever as we process the outcome we had hoped not to see.

All of our thoughts and prayers are with all the residents affected by this tragedy, including the other two neighbors who did not make it out, Marisol and Erik Perez Jr.

For those wishing to help, the current need is monetary donations to Mission Oak Cliff. You may make a contribution on their website at missionoakcliff.org/donate. Those donations will be distributed to the families affected by the fire.

Additional information will be released through our official communication methods, including our Social Media Accounts.

11:30 am update:
This morning, I was notified that the family of Sylvia Collins has been located, and contact has been made with the family.

At this time, we do not yet have her status, and she remains unaccounted for.

The DCDP is inviting everyone to a vigil at Adamson High School tonight for all those affected. Please RSVP at the bottom.

We will continue to provide updates as we receive them.

Omar Jimenez,
Chair
The 23rd Senatorial District Tejano Democrats

The Oak Cliff community, its elected leaders, and area Faith Leaders invite all Dallas residents to gather tonight to remember the lives lost, comfort those still waiting for word of loved ones, and stand together as one community in prayer for Oak Cliff.

We mourn the confirmed loss of three lives, two women and a child, and hold close all those still unaccounted for and every family touched by this tragedy.

We will observe a moment of silence at dusk to heal and unify our community. All are welcome.

If you are able to RSVP, the link can be found here or in our bio: mobilize.us/dallasdemocrats/event/963254/

Update:

I'm back home now from being at the reunification site at Adamson High School.

All affected families and residents from today's explosion in Oak Cliff at the Clyde Apartments are sheltered in hotels or with friends or families.

First, thank you to both the Dallas and Tarrant County Democratic Party Chairs, Kardal Coleman and Allison Campolo, for their support as we get through this. Thank you to all the elected officials who are working to address this tragedy, and for their statements as we learn more about Sergeant at Arms Sylvia Collins.

As of 11:51 pm, we still have no updates on her whereabouts, and they still remain unaccounted for.

I appreciated everyone who has reached out to us about her, and at this time, we are waiting to hear more information.

Unfortunately, three lives were lost in this tragedy. The names have not been released yet, but I assume that, as of right now, their Next of Kin are being notified. This evening, we acted as her as we have tried to get in contact with her as the news broke to see what happened to her.

I will continue to provide any additional updates that I have to share with the public and media.

Omar Jimenez
Chair,
The 23rd Senatorial District Tejano Democrats

Statement from the DCDP:

Our hearts are heavy today.

We pause to think of all the families and lives affected by the tragic explosion in Oak Cliff, including our beloved Precinct Chair, Hon. Sylvia Collins, who is currently among those unaccounted for.

Sylvia is a tireless advocate for our community. We are holding Sylvia, her family, and all those who love her close in our hearts as we await more information.

Please keep Sylvia and all those affected in your prayers. ✊🏽

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/dallas-gas-explosion-apartment-rcna347419

As you might’ve heard, there was an explosion at an apartment in Oak Cliff, and our Sergeant-At-Arms Sylvia Collins lives there.

We do not know if anything where is she, but me and Member Frances Rizo is on the scene and will let all of us know. If we do hear anything about her. We will let y’all know. We only know as much as you do from the news and the latest press conference from the city.

Of course the smoke was very intense that I was able to see it from Lakewood coming back from lunch when the news broke.

Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers for her and all that are affected.

Omar Jimenez,
Chair