Jasper, TX (May 26, 2026) – Two people lost their lives Monday afternoon, May 26, after a two-vehicle collision on Highway 96 near County Road 296 south of Jasper.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the fatal wreck happened shortly before 2 p.m. Investigators said a Volkswagen SUV traveling north crossed into the southbound lane and struck a Dodge pickup traveling in the opposite direction about 500 feet south of the Jasper city limits.
The Volkswagen driver, identified as 79-year-old Carolyn Brewster of Buna, died on the roadway. A passenger in the Dodge pickup, 66-year-old James Pedigo of Weatherford, also lost his life following the collision. The Dodge driver, identified as 65-year-old Debra Pedigo of Weatherford, was taken to CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Troopers are continuing to investigate what caused the deadly highway crash near Jasper. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of Carolyn Brewster and James Pedigo, and we hope Debra Pedigo recovers from her injuries.
Why Lane-Crossing Highway Crashes Can Be So Dangerous
Roadway crashes involving a vehicle crossing into oncoming traffic often result in severe or fatal injuries because opposing vehicles may collide at highway speeds. These impacts can create tremendous force, especially on two-lane roads without a median barrier.
Investigators commonly review factors such as driver health, visibility, roadway conditions, and vehicle movement before determining why a vehicle entered the opposite lane. Rural highways may present additional challenges due to higher travel speeds and limited space for drivers to avoid an approaching vehicle. In many cases, front-end vehicle damage and occupant positioning are also examined to better understand how the collision unfolded and why certain injuries occurred.
