TRAGEDY IN CHAMBERS COUNTY: FOUR KILLED IN FRIDAY NIGHT CRASH

“A Community Heartbroken: Liberty High School Students Among Victims in Fatal Collision”

CHAMBERS COUNTY, TX — A Friday evening intended for weekend relaxation turned into a nightmare for several Texas families. On Friday, April 10, 2026, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed a fatal crash on FM 563 that resulted in the deaths of a 37-year-old mother and three young passengers.

The Incident: Friday, April 10, 2026

At approximately 7:00 PM, emergency responders were dispatched to FM 563, roughly 0.8 miles south of Interstate 10, following reports of a severe single-vehicle accident.

• The Crash: A 2005 Chrysler 300 sedan, traveling at what investigators believe was a high rate of speed, left the roadway and struck a tree with immense force.

• The Victims: The driver was identified as Kara Beagle, 37, of Liberty. All three passengers in the vehicle were also killed. They included Jay’Shawn Godfrey, 19, of Houston, and two juveniles, ages 17 and 15, who were students at Liberty High School.

• The Scene: DPS Sgt. Sammy Lattner reported that all four occupants were tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

A “Shining Light” Extinguished

The impact of the loss was felt immediately across the region. Liberty ISD Superintendent Dusty McGee issued a moving statement Saturday morning, confirming that the “shining light” of young students had been lost to the community.

“We are heartbroken by the loss our community is experiencing. When words fall short, all that we can do is come together to support one another while honoring the privacy of the families who are grieving.” — Dusty McGee, Liberty ISD Superintendent

Investigation & Status

The Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the ongoing investigation into the mechanics of the crash.

• Contributing Factors: Preliminary evidence suggests that speed was a factor in the vehicle leaving the pavement.

• Next Steps: An autopsy has been ordered for the driver, Kara Beagle, as is standard procedure in fatal accidents to determine if any other “unexplained” medical factors contributed to the event.

• Notification: Authorities confirmed that next of kin for all four victims have been notified.

A School System in Mourning

As students and teachers prepare for a difficult week ahead, Liberty ISD has mobilized resources to help the community cope with the “senseless and heinous” nature of the accident.

• Support Services: Beginning Monday morning, counselors and members of the local ministerial alliance will be stationed on the Liberty High School campus for any student or staff member in need of support.

• Family Resources: The district has also made grief resources available on their official website for families struggling to discuss the tragedy at home.

How You Can Help

The families involved have asked for privacy during this unimaginable time. The community is encouraged to:

1. Respect the Privacy of the Grieving: Avoid speculation on social media and allow the families the space to mourn.

2. Support Local Youth: Engage with the school district’s support programs to ensure no student has to process this loss alone.

3. A Moment of Silence: Hold the Beagle, Godfrey, and student families in your thoughts as they begin a long journey toward healing.

In Loving Memory: We stand with the community of Liberty and the families of those lost on FM 563. May the memories of these four individuals remain a “shining light” in the hearts of those who knew them.

If you or someone you know is struggling with grief or a mental health crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.