HARDIN COUNTY, TX – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has released the identities of the four individuals who tragically lost their lives in a devastating crash Friday night involving a utility vehicle (UTV) and a commercial 18-wheeler on Farm-to-Market Road 92 near Jim Burns Road.
The deceased have been identified as:
- Otis Smart, 46
- Melissa Smart, 33
- Triston Smart, 26
- Terry Smart, 63
All victims were residents of Kountze, Texas, and were traveling together in the UTV.
A fifth passenger, 30-year-old Kali Smart, also of Kountze, was critically injured and remains hospitalized at Hermann Memorial Hospital receiving treatment for life-threatening injuries.
The preliminary DPS investigation indicates that around 11:35 p.m. on July 25, 2025, the UTV entered the southbound lane of FM 92 from Jim Burns Road and was struck by an oncoming commercial motor vehicle. All four victims were pronounced deceased at the scene by a Justice of the Peace.
The driver of the 18-wheeler, 34-year-old Arthur Jones of Houston, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to St. Elizabeth Hospital for treatment.
Shortly after the initial crash, a secondary collision occurred when a Chevrolet Malibu, driven by 44-year-old Kristy Biggs of Spurger, drove through the accident scene and struck a Hardin County patrol unit that was stationary with its emergency lights activated. Deputy Droddy, who was inside the patrol vehicle at the time, was not injured. Biggs was transported to St. Elizabeth Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
This tragic accident has deeply impacted the Hardin County community, with an entire family devastated by the loss. DPS continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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