Basic Facts

Crash date: June 27, 2026

Crash location: 2200 block of West State Highway Loop 281 in Longview, TX

People involved:

  • William Clayton Smith, 40
  • James Kaleb Baker, 27
  • Hallie Baker, 26
  • Unidentified Dodge passengers
  • Unidentified Jeep driver, 45

Do authorities suspect alcohol played a role in this crash? Yes

Did authorities recommend criminal charges? Yes

Do authorities suspect a product defect caused the crash? Unknown

Accident Report

Longview, TX — June 27, 2026, Clayton Smith was killed and Hallie Baker and James Baker were injured in an alleged drunk driver accident at about 7:50 p.m. in the 2200 block of West State Highway Loop 281.

Authorities said a westbound 2018 Jeep crossed the median near Tremont Street and collided head-on with an eastbound 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe.

Chevrolet driver William Clayton Smith, 40, died from injuries suffered in the crash, according to authorities, while passengers Hallie Baker, 26, and James Kaleb Baker, 27, were hospitalized with serious injuries. Two other passengers suffered minor injuries.

The Jeep driver, a 45-year-old Longview woman, was arrested on charges of intoxication manslaughter and intoxication assault after the accident, authorities said.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Gregg County crash at this time.

How Did This Accident Occur?

If blood tests prove the Jeep driver was intoxicated at the time of the crash, authorities should continue their investigation beyond the scene of this accident. They should look into where the driver had been drinking.

That matters alcohol providers can share responsibility for injuries caused in a drunk driver accident under Texas law. Bars or restaurants can be held liable if they serve someone who is obviously intoxicated before they get behind the wheel.

I don’t know if that is what happened in this instance, but those affected by this crash deserves to know everyone who may have played a role in this accident.

Do you know anything that could help with this probe? Let us know in the comment section.

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