Six Killed in U.S. 67 Head-On Collision Near Cleburne, Texas

• What happened on U.S. 67 near Cleburne
• Local context, road conditions, and why this stretch matters
• How to obtain official records in Texas
• THC, impairment, and Texas law
• Civil liability after a catastrophic two-lane collision
• Insurance issues families commonly face
• Evidence preservation and practical next steps
• How the criminal case intersects with civil claims
• Healing and support resources for families
• Safety lessons for two-lane highways and sunset driving
• What the appeal means for civil timing
• Commentary from Gosuits Cleburne, Texas Personal Injury Attorney
• Why taking action now matters

What happened on U.S. 67 near Cleburne

On December 26, 2023, a head-on collision on U.S. Highway 67 near Cleburne, in Johnson County, turned a holiday outing into a tragedy felt across Texas and beyond. Investigators reported that a 17-year-old driver in a Chevy Silverado crossed the double yellow centerline on a two-lane stretch of U.S. 67 and collided head-on with a Honda Odyssey carrying seven family members visiting from Georgia. Six people in the minivan died from the crash. The sole survivor in the minivan, a father, was left with permanent paralysis. The teen driver and his passenger also suffered serious injuries.

According to statements introduced at trial, the teen’s vehicle had THC products inside, and a blood test showed THC at approximately 10 nanograms per milliliter. Prosecutors argued the teen was attempting to pass in a no-passing zone at highway speeds, while the defense said he was preparing for a left turn across oncoming traffic and had reduced visibility with the sun’s glare along a partially blind curve. Whichever the cause, the impact forces at an estimated 65 to 75 mph closing speed were devastating and left a catastrophic scene on a corridor local drivers know can be unforgiving when a vehicle drifts over the centerline.

A Johnson County jury later convicted the teen of several offenses and imposed a lengthy prison sentence. While the criminal outcome has drawn national attention, families often have immediate civil questions that are separate from any criminal proceeding. Those include how to secure official reports, whether there are insurance benefits to cover medical and funeral costs, and what timelines control wrongful death or injury claims in Texas.

Local context, road conditions, and why this stretch matters

Anyone who travels between Cleburne and Glen Rose knows the feel of U.S. 67. It’s a mix of two-lane segments, rolling hills, and occasional limited sightlines. In late December, sunset can fall fast across open ranchland, and the low angle of the sun can create harsh glare for drivers heading west. Families headed to or from the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center often use this route, merging with through-traffic and local ranch trucks. Small errors here can become big in an instant because there’s not much room to correct once a vehicle crosses the center stripe.

Local landmarks help ground this tragedy in place. The Johnson County Courthouse anchors downtown Cleburne to the east, and Lake Pat Cleburne sits just southwest, popular with anglers even in winter. The Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum and Cleburne State Park draw area visitors who often wind up on the same highways that long-haul and oilfield traffic share. It’s precisely this mix, plus the two-lane geometry, that increases the importance of staying in lane, avoiding passing in no-passing zones, and accounting for glare and limited sight distances. When things go wrong on a road like this, there is little buffer between vehicles.

How to obtain official records in Texas

Crash reports

In Texas, the official crash report is maintained within the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System. Families, their authorized representatives, and involved parties can request certified copies for civil uses such as insurance claims and litigation. TxDOT explains how to obtain crash reports and records on its website. See TxDOT’s information on crash reports and records at txdot.gov and follow the path for Crash Reports and Records to access the state’s purchase portal.

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Law enforcement investigative materials

Crashes on state highways are commonly investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety Highway Patrol. Some records, such as dash or body camera footage, may be requested through a public information request under Texas law. For statewide open records guidance, the Texas Attorney General provides instructions and rights under the Public Information Act at texasattorneygeneral.gov/open-government. Be aware that certain records can be withheld during active investigations, and release timelines may vary.

Autopsy, death investigation, and death certificates

Johnson County is served by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner District. For autopsy reports, toxicology summaries, and other death investigation documents, families typically request records directly from the district office. Learn about the Medical Examiner District and records requests at the Tarrant County site: tarrantcountytx.gov and navigate to the Medical Examiner pages.

Certified Texas death certificates are maintained by the Texas Department of State Health Services. Instructions for ordering death records are provided by DSHS Vital Statistics at dshs.texas.gov/vital-statistics/death-records.

THC, impairment, and Texas law

Texas defines intoxication in a way that does not depend solely on a number. Under the Texas Penal Code, a person is intoxicated if they lack the normal use of their mental or physical faculties because of alcohol, a controlled substance, a drug, or a combination of those substances. See Texas Penal Code Section 49.01 at statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.49.htm. Texas does not have a per se THC limit as some states do for alcohol with 0.08 BAC, and prosecutions often rely on a combination of toxicology, driving behavior, and other observations.

NHTSA has noted that setting reliable THC impairment thresholds is complex because THC is processed differently than alcohol, and measured levels do not always correspond neatly to the degree of impairment at the time of driving. Still, federal safety agencies warn that drug-impaired driving increases crash risk, and drivers should never operate a vehicle after consuming substances that can affect judgment, reaction time, or tracking ability. For federal safety information, see NHTSA’s drug-impaired driving resources at nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving.

For families navigating the civil side, the key point is this. Regardless of criminal charges, civil liability can be established by showing negligence, such as crossing a double yellow centerline into oncoming traffic or attempting an unsafe passing maneuver. Toxicology evidence may be part of the picture, but it is not the only way to establish fault in a wrongful death or serious injury case.

Civil liability after a catastrophic two-lane collision

Texas law allows certain family members to pursue wrongful death claims when a loved one is killed by another’s wrongful act, neglect, carelessness, unskillfulness, or default. The relevant statutes are in Chapter 71 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code, available at statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.71.htm. In general, a spouse, children, and parents may have claims. A separate survival claim can also be brought on behalf of the estate to recover damages the deceased could have pursued had they lived.

In a head-on crash involving a lane departure across a solid double yellow, potential theories of negligence may include unsafe passing, failure to maintain a single lane, failure to keep a proper lookout, or failure to control speed given roadway conditions. If evidence shows impairment contributed to the collision, that can be an additional basis for liability. In very limited circumstances, exemplary damages may be available when the conduct rises to certain thresholds defined by statute, though such claims must be carefully evaluated.

Civil claims are distinct from criminal cases. Even if a jury returns a mixed verdict in criminal court, the civil question centers on whether the defendant’s negligence more likely than not caused the losses. The civil burden of proof is lower than the criminal standard, and evidence can include crash reconstruction, vehicle data, witness testimony, roadway design features, and medical documentation.

Insurance issues families commonly face

A crash of this magnitude often triggers multiple insurance coverages and complex coordination between policies from different states. Consider the following practical issues that frequently arise:

• Liability coverage. Texas motorists are required to carry minimum liability limits. TDI describes required coverages and consumer rights at tdi.texas.gov. In Texas, the basic minimum limits are often referred to as 30/60/25. In multi-fatality events, minimum limits are very often insufficient to cover the scale of loss.
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. UM/UIM on the family’s policy may apply if the at-fault liability limits are inadequate. These benefits are contractual and can involve notice and proof requirements. Policies governed by another state, such as Georgia, can still respond to a Texas crash, but the rules can differ, which makes a careful review essential.
• PIP or MedPay. Texas policies often include personal injury protection unless rejected in writing. PIP can provide limited benefits for medical bills and certain lost income. MedPay may also be present. Those benefits may help early on, regardless of fault, while liability issues are still being addressed.
• Multiple claimants and interpleader. Where many victims are involved, the liability insurer may file an interpleader action and deposit policy limits with the court for distribution. Families should be prepared to document loss and negotiate shares if this occurs.
• Recorded statements and releases. It is common for insurers to request recorded statements or quick settlements. It is prudent to speak with a qualified attorney before communicating with any insurer. What is said to an insurer can be used against a claimant later, and early releases can foreclose future recovery.

For general guidance on Texas auto insurance and claims, the Texas Department of Insurance publishes consumer resources at tdi.texas.gov.

Evidence preservation and practical next steps

Time matters after a serious crash. Evidence can be lost, overwritten, or destroyed in the normal course of business unless steps are taken. Here are focused actions that help protect the truth of what happened:

• Request the official crash report and supporting materials. Secure the TxDOT crash report and, when available, photographs, diagrams, and supplemental narratives. TxDOT explains how to obtain crash records on its site at txdot.gov.
• Preserve vehicle data. Most modern vehicles have event data recorders that can capture speed, throttle position, braking, and seat belt status seconds before impact. Learn more about EDRs from NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/research-data/event-data-recorder. A preservation letter should be sent quickly to secure both vehicles and prevent loss of data.
• Phone and app data. Cell phone records and app telemetry may reveal distraction or location data. A formal request or subpoena is often needed, so early planning helps.
• Toxicology and medical records. Autopsy findings and hospital toxicology are foundational in cases involving suspected impairment. For Johnson County deaths, the Tarrant County Medical Examiner District can advise on report availability at tarrantcountytx.gov.
• Scene documentation. Photographs of sightlines, sun position at the collision time and date, skid and yaw marks, gouges, and debris fields help reconstruction. In winter, sun glare near Cleburne can be significant in late afternoon, which may be demonstrable using accepted methods.
• Witness outreach. Promptly identify and interview witnesses. Even a driver who pulled over at the Chisholm Trail Outdoor Museum or a motorist headed to Lake Pat Cleburne may have seen the vehicles moments before impact.

Texas generally has a two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death and personal injury claims. See Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003 at statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.16.htm. Some deadlines, such as notice provisions for certain insurance benefits, can be much shorter. Taking action early increases the chance that critical evidence is preserved and that applicable benefits are not lost.

How the criminal case intersects with civil claims

This case has involved a criminal trial, a verdict on multiple counts, and a pronounced prison sentence. Civil claims unfold on a different timeline and with a different burden of proof. Here is what tends to matter on the civil side:

• Fault can be proven without a criminal conviction. Civil liability is established by a preponderance of the evidence. A no-passing zone head-on collision, combined with crash reconstruction, can be sufficient to support fault.
• Criminal evidence can inform civil cases. Blood toxicology, body camera footage, and expert testimony from the criminal proceedings may be available to civil litigants once restrictions are lifted. Public information laws and discovery tools help obtain these materials.
• Restitution versus damages. Criminal courts can order restitution, but it is typically limited and does not replace the broader damages available in a civil case, such as loss of companionship, mental anguish, and future economic loss.
• Appeals do not bar civil filing. A criminal appeal can take years. Families do not have to wait to bring civil claims, though coordination is often wise to avoid jeopardizing access to evidence.

Healing and support resources for families

After a loss this severe, families often need help working with agencies, paying immediate expenses, and accessing counseling. The following resources can be a starting point:

• Crime Victims’ Compensation. Texas offers a program that may help with certain costs related to violent crime, including funeral expenses and counseling. See the Texas Attorney General’s Crime Victim Services at texasattorneygeneral.gov/crime-victims.
• Public information rights. For guidance on requesting records from Texas agencies, the Attorney General’s Open Government page is at texasattorneygeneral.gov/open-government.
• Mental health and grief support. The federal behavioral health resource hub offers access to crisis and support services. Learn more at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration site: samhsa.gov/find-help/988.
• Impaired driving facts. For national data and prevention information, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention resource at cdc.gov/transportationsafety/impaired_driving.

In Johnson County and the broader Cleburne community, faith congregations and cultural associations also step in during times of loss. Many families find comfort in community remembrance gatherings and temple or church support, especially when tragedy strikes during the holidays.

Safety lessons for two-lane highways and sunset driving

Drivers in our area often split time between faster divided highways and narrow two-lane roads. That switch matters. On a divided highway, an error may lead to a roadside departure. On a two-lane road, the same error can put a vehicle into oncoming traffic with no barrier. Consider these practical reminders, especially on U.S. 67 between Cleburne and Glen Rose:

• Respect no-passing zones. Double yellow centerlines exist where sight distance is inadequate. Passing in those areas removes the margin for error. On curves and rolling hills near Cleburne, oncoming traffic can appear faster than expected.
• Manage sunset glare. Winter sunsets can align with the roadway, washing out oncoming headlamps. Use a clean windshield, lower speeds, and increase following distance. If you cannot clearly see the oncoming lane, do not attempt a left turn or pass.
• Avoid impairment. NHTSA emphasizes that drug-impaired driving increases crash risk. If you consume any substance that affects judgment or reaction time, do not get behind the wheel. See NHTSA’s drug-impaired driving information at nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drug-impaired-driving.
• Know your route. When leaving attractions like Fossil Rim Wildlife Center at dusk, plan for limited passing opportunities and be patient. The goal is to get home safely, even if that means a slower pace back toward the Johnson County Courthouse square.

What the appeal means for civil timing

The criminal sentence in this case is subject to appeal. In Texas, that appellate process can take months to years. Civil cases operate on separate timelines. The two-year limitation period for wrongful death and personal injury generally applies, with some exceptions. See statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.16.htm. Families can pursue civil claims during a criminal appeal, although careful coordination may help preserve access to evidence while avoiding interference with ongoing proceedings.

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Commentary from Gosuits Cleburne, Texas Personal Injury Attorney

Our hearts are with everyone impacted by this collision. A family visiting Texas for the holidays suffered immeasurable loss, and a local teenager now faces a lifetime shaped by one catastrophic moment. This commentary is offered for educational and general informational purposes. Each case turns on specific facts and the governing law.

From a civil standpoint, the core issues involve lane discipline on a two-lane highway, sight distance, decision making at speed, and any role impairment may have played. Crossings over a double yellow into oncoming traffic are among the most dangerous scenarios we see in Johnson County. The injuries here were unsurvivable for most occupants, and the consequences will echo through two communities for years. Civil accountability focuses on whether negligent acts, such as unsafe passing or failing to maintain a single lane, more likely than not caused the losses. Toxicology can inform that analysis, but careful reconstruction of the scene and vehicles is equally important.

Insurance companies and large corporate entities know that early statements can shape outcomes. Adjusters may request recorded interviews or propose a quick settlement when families are in crisis. They do this because they understand the rules and timelines, and they know that what someone says can be used later to limit a claim. That imbalance of knowledge is real. It is one reason why speaking with a seasoned attorney before any insurer communication is a prudent step.

A confidential, no-cost consultation can help clarify rights, identify all potential sources of coverage, and set a plan to preserve evidence like vehicle data and phone records. It also provides space to ask hard questions about wrongful death claims, survival actions, and how Texas law treats multi-claimant tragedies. No one can change what happened on U.S. 67, but informed decisions can protect remaining rights and help families navigate a very difficult road ahead.

Why taking action now matters

What should be done

• Secure official records. Obtain the TxDOT crash report, request any available law enforcement media when eligible, and begin the process to obtain autopsy and death certificates where needed.
• Preserve evidence. Send written preservation requests for the vehicles, event data recorders, and relevant phone records. Ask that nothing be altered, repaired, or disposed of without notice.
• Map insurance coverage. Identify all potentially applicable policies, including liability, UM/UIM, PIP, and MedPay, across all involved states. Do not provide statements or sign releases before consulting an attorney.
• Document losses. Keep organized records of medical bills, funeral expenses, travel costs, and employment impacts, as well as personal statements describing the human loss.
• Mind deadlines. Calendar the general two-year Texas limitations period and any shorter notice requirements in insurance policies. Start early to avoid last-minute gaps that can jeopardize claims.

Why acting now helps

• Evidence fades. Tire marks weather off the pavement, vehicles are auctioned or salvaged, and electronic data can be overwritten. Early preservation can mean the difference between a clear reconstruction and unanswered questions.
• Financial stability. Identifying and coordinating PIP, MedPay, or interim benefits can ease immediate expenses while liability issues are still in motion.
• Control the narrative. Insurers often move quickly to obtain statements. Waiting to speak until after an attorney consultation helps prevent inadvertent misstatements that can reduce recoveries later.
• Strategic clarity. An early plan sets priorities, whether it is securing vehicle EDR data, retaining a reconstructionist, or coordinating with an out-of-state policy. That plan keeps efforts aligned as criminal and civil tracks proceed.

When timing is critical

• First 30 days. Preserve vehicles and data, request crash reports, identify witnesses, and start insurance mapping.
• First 90 days. Obtain preliminary medical examiner and toxicology records as available, secure scene measurements, and coordinate with reconstruction experts if needed.
• Within one year. Reassess insurance positions, damages documentation, and whether additional defendants or coverages may apply.
• Before two years. Ensure claims are timely filed to comply with Texas limitations or other applicable deadlines.

Taking these steps with urgency respects both the legal timelines and the practical realities of evidence preservation, which together shape how well the facts can be shown and how fully losses can be documented.