BEAUMONT, Texas — Beaumont Police believe alcohol was a contributing factor in a major car accident that left two Lamar University students dead.
Officers were called to the 2400 block of S. Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway just after 2 a.m. on Sunday. Clyde Thompson, 19, and Tonysha Lashay Smith, 19, both died as a result of their injuries, a Beaumont Police Department spokesperson said Monday. A Lamar University spokesperson said the community is "deeply saddened" at the loss of the two students.
Investigation showed a black Chevrolet truck was traveling north in the southbound lanes, when it crashed into a gray Nissan Altima head-on, according to a Beaumont Police Department release. Thompson, the driver of the Nissan, was pronounced dead at the scene.
Smith, the passenger, was taken to a nearby hospital but later died from her injuries. The driver of the Chevrolet was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, and later charged with intoxication manslaughter.
"Lamar University is deeply saddened at the loss of two LU students in a wreck over the weekend. Our thoughts are with the families and friends of the victims during this difficult time," a spokesperson for the university said. "Counselors with the Student Health Center are available for students impacted by this tragedy."
The fatal crash is currently under investigation. This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
Beaumont police investigating fatal early Sunday morning wreck
GET NEWS & WEATHER ALERTS | Download the 12News App to your mobile device
From a Beaumont Police department press release:
On Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 2:13 a.m., Beaumont Police responded to the 2400 block of S. Martin Luther King in reference to a major accident.
The preliminary investigation has revealed that a black Chevrolet truck was traveling north in the southbound lanes in the 2400 block of S. MLK. At that time, the Chevrolet truck crashed into a gray Nissan Altima head on. The driver of the Nissan Altima was pronounced deceased on scene and the passenger was transported to the hospital, where she later died as a result of her injuries.
The driver of the Chevrolet truck was transported to the hospital to be treated for his injuries. Detectives are continuing the investigation and alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor to this accident.
We will release further information tomorrow morning.