CHAMBERS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — A community in southeast Texas is mourning after four people, including a mother, 37, and her two children, were killed in a crash Friday in Chambers County.
Authorities said the victims were traveling at a high rate of speed when their vehicle went off-road along FM 563 and crashed into a tree.
The victims were identified as driver 37-year-old Kara Beagle; her teenage children, Markel and Makhia Beagle; and Jay’Shawn Godfrey, a friend of the family and the two teens.
Friends said the loss has shaken the community.
“It’s hard because they touched a lot of souls,” said Luke Porsche, a friend of the victims. “I’ve been trying to keep it together. I’ve had my moments, for sure.”
The Liberty Independent School District confirmed that two of the victims were current students at Liberty High School, while Godfrey was a recent graduate.
Family members in Kentucky said they are making plans to travel to Texas as they cope with the sudden loss.
Investigators said the vehicle may have swerved across the road at a high rate of speed. They note the car, a Chrysler 300, vaulted from a nearby driveway before striking the tree. Debris from the crash, including a window pane, was found lodged in the branches.
Despite the tragedy, community members have begun gathering to support one another and honor the victims.
“With that community, everybody’s coming together as one and trying to uplift everybody with this tragedy,” Porsche said.The school district said grief counselors will be available to help students and staff process the loss.
“You had a lot of talent in that car. You had a lot of love in that car,” Porsche said.
This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.