Eastland County, TX (June 26, 2026) – A 15-year-old boy lost his life early on Thursday, June 25, after a single-vehicle rollover along State Highway 6 near mile marker 348 in Eastland County. The roadway tragedy happened at about 2:20 a.m.
According to investigators, a 2014 Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling eastbound when the 19-year-old driver, identified as Maddox Gilliam of Cisco, failed to negotiate a curve while traveling at an unsafe speed. The SUV entered the median, crossed the highway, and overturned on the south side of the roadway.
The teenage passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. Gilliam was seriously injured and taken to Harris Methodist Hospital in Fort Worth. Two additional passengers, ages 16 and 14, were also seriously hurt and taken to Eastland Memorial Hospital.
The investigation is continuing, and criminal charges may be considered once it is complete. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of the young teen who lost his life.
Why Seatbelt Use Is Examined After Rollover Crashes?
Rollover crashes involve a detailed review of several factors, including vehicle speed, roadway design, and occupant protection. Investigators commonly examine whether seatbelts were used because restraint systems can affect how people move inside a vehicle during a rollover. These findings become part of the overall review of how the crash unfolded.
Other evidence may include tire marks, vehicle damage, and the SUV’s final resting position. Weather conditions and roadway surfaces are also documented to determine whether outside factors contributed. By combining physical evidence, witness statements, and vehicle data, investigators can develop a clearer understanding of the circumstances surrounding a rollover and the sequence of events leading up to it.
