Texas Family Tragedy: Roxanne Mowrey, Ron Dykes and Two Children Killed in Marble Falls Highway Crash
Five people, including two young children, were killed in a wrong-way crash on U.S. 281 in Marble Falls, Texas, police said.
A devastating wrong-way crash on U.S. Highway 281 in Marble Falls, Texas, claimed the lives of five people Sunday afternoon, including two young children, after a pickup truck crossed into oncoming traffic and collided head-on with another vehicle. The tragedy has left multiple families mourning unimaginable loss as investigators continue searching for answers about what caused the deadly collision.
According to Marble Falls police, officers and Burnet County sheriff’s deputies responded around 4:59 p.m. to the 3100 block of South U.S. 281 following reports of a serious multi-vehicle crash. Investigators said a black Nissan pickup driven by 80-year-old Antonio Lara of Lago Vista was traveling northbound when it crossed the median into the southbound lanes for reasons that remain under investigation.
Authorities said the pickup first sideswiped the rear of a white BMW hatchback before continuing into the southbound lanes. The BMW sustained only minor damage, and officials confirmed its three occupants were not seriously injured during the frightening sequence of events on the busy highway.
Moments later, the Nissan pickup collided head-on with a silver Hyundai hatchback carrying four people. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but the impact proved catastrophic. Police confirmed that all occupants of both the Nissan and Hyundai were pronounced dead at the scene as emergency crews worked for hours to secure the crash area and assist surviving motorists.
Authorities identified the victims inside the Hyundai as 50-year-old Roxanne Mowrey, 55-year-old Ron Dykes, and Mowrey’s two granddaughters, ages 3 and 5. Officials also confirmed that Antonio Lara, the driver of the Nissan pickup, died in the collision. The heartbreaking loss of two young children has especially shaken the Marble Falls community and beyond.
As news of the crash spread, loved ones and community members began sharing condolences and support for the grieving families. Separate GoFundMe campaigns have since been organized to assist the families of Ron Dykes and Roxanne Mowrey with funeral expenses and other unexpected financial burdens following the devastating tragedy.
Investigators with Marble Falls police continue examining what caused the pickup truck to enter the wrong lanes of traffic. Authorities are reviewing evidence from the crash scene, including roadway conditions, vehicle data, and witness statements, as they work to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal head-on collision.
The deadly crash has become a painful reminder of how quickly lives can change on the road. Family members and friends are now left mourning the sudden loss of loved ones whose lives ended in a matter of moments along U.S. 281. As the investigation continues, the Marble Falls community remains united in grief while offering prayers and support to all those affected by the heartbreaking tragedy.
