Navasota, TX (January 23, 2026) – Three people were killed on Thursday afternoon in a violent crash on Highway 6 near the Grimes-Waller County line. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, a northbound semi-truck crossed the median during the noon hour and struck a southbound SUV head-on. All three individuals in the SUV, identified as 45-year-old Charles Ortega, 46-year-old Travis Morehead, and 21-year-old Ryan Morehead—all from Hempstead—were pronounced dead at the scene. The semi’s driver and passenger sustained minor injuries and were taken to a hospital in Cypress. The collision closed a portion of Highway 6 for several hours as emergency responders worked the scene. The cause remains under investigation.
Key Details
- Location: Navasota, TX
- Where: Highway 6 near the Grimes-Waller County line
- Type: Semi and SUV collision
- Reported: January 22, during the noon hour
- Injuries: Confirmed (3 fatalities, 2 minor injuries)
- Responding Agency: Texas Department of Public Safety
What We Know So Far
- A northbound semi crossed the median on Hwy 6 and struck a southbound SUV
- Three SUV occupants from Hempstead were killed: Charles Ortega, Travis Morehead, and Ryan Morehead
- The semi driver and passenger were hospitalized with minor injuries
- The crash closed part of Highway 6 near the Grimes-Waller County line
What’s Not Yet Confirmed
- The reason the semi crossed the median
- Whether road conditions or vehicle issues contributed
- If any charges or citations will result from the crash
- When the full highway section will reopen
Local Context
Highway 6 near the Grimes-Waller County border is a heavily traveled route connecting rural communities to larger city centers. With high speeds and limited barriers in some stretches, cross-median collisions can lead to devastating outcomes. Thursday’s fatal crash prompted an extended closure and drew multiple emergency response teams to manage the aftermath. The Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the investigation into what caused the semi to veer into oncoming traffic. The names of the three individuals lost—members of the same community—underscore the tragic toll events like this can take on families and towns alike.
What to Do Next
- If you travel regularly on Highway 6, stay informed about closures or safety advisories.
- Drive cautiously near county lines and in high-speed zones without divided medians.
- If you witnessed the crash or aftermath, consider reporting what you saw to DPS investigators.
- Watch for official updates as the investigation continues and any safety recommendations are issued.
FAQ
Q: What causes a vehicle to cross a highway median?
A: Median crossings can occur due to driver distraction, fatigue, mechanical failure, or adverse road conditions. Investigators analyze multiple factors in each case.
Q: Why are crashes involving semis often more severe?
A: Due to their size and weight, semis can cause extensive damage in a collision, especially when colliding head-on with smaller vehicles.
Q: What should drivers do if a crash shuts down a rural highway?
A: Follow detour signs, avoid the area if possible, and check for real-time updates from law enforcement or transportation officials before resuming travel.
