Three people were killed and two others were injured Friday night in a head-on crash on State Highway 90 near the Grimes-Madison County line. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, a northbound Dodge Ram attempted to pass another vehicle by entering the southbound lane and collided head-on with a Nissan Altima. The Dodge then struck a Hyundai. Three people, 42-year-old Cheryl Kubiak, 18-year-old Chassity Cowgill, and 23-year-old Wyatt Humphrey—all occupants of the Altima—were pronounced dead at the scene. A fourth passenger in the Altima was seriously injured, as well as the driver of the Dodge. The crash remains under investigation, and DPS officials have indicated that criminal charges may be filed.
Whenever I see a collision caused by a maneuver like this, I can’t help but wonder what led the driver to make such a dangerous decision. In my experience, there’s often more to the story than what’s in the initial report, and answering those questions is critical to understanding why the accident happened.
Was Alcohol a Contributing Factor?
The time of the crash—just before 11 p.m.—raises a question that investigators will likely examine: Was the driver under the influence of alcohol at the time? Late-night crashes involving sudden lane changes or reckless passing often trigger a closer look at possible intoxication.
What Evidence Should Be Reviewed?
To fully understand what happened, investigators should review toxicology results, gather witness statements, and obtain dashcam or surveillance footage from any nearby locations. The crash scene should be thoroughly documented, and vehicle data from the Engine Control Module (ECM)—including speed and braking just before impact—could offer important context. They might also want to examine the driver’s cell phone data to rule out any potential distraction.
Why a Thorough Investigation Is Important
When a crash results in both injuries and fatalities, a surface-level investigation simply isn’t enough. In my experience, a full examination of the accident is often necessary to uncover the chain of events that led to the collision and ensure accountability for all parties involved. Carefully reviewing all of the details is the best way to get answers for those affected by the crash.