A TEXAS family has been left devastated after a Baytown Police Department patrol car crashed into their minivan, killing two young boys and critically injuring their three sisters.
The collision occurred just after 7 p.m. on October 23 at an intersection in Baytown, east of Houston.
According to investigators, the on-duty officer, identified as Michael Hightower, was responding to a “persons with a weapon” emergency.
While on his way to the scene, his patrol vehicle struck the family’s Honda Odyssey, which was carrying five children.
Emergency crews, bystanders, and police officers rushed to perform CPR as life-flight helicopters arrived to airlift the victims.
Baytown Police Chief John Stringer described the crash as a heartbreaking tragedy.
“This is a tragedy for everyone involved and impacted by this event,” he said.
“Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are with the children and family involved, as well as our officer, the officer’s family, and the Baytown officers who responded to the scene.”
Days later, the children’s father, Clint Russell, confirmed that his sons – eight-year-old Ryver and ten-year-old Jude – had “passed peacefully, surrounded by the love and support of family.”
This was after doctors were unable to find any “brain activity.”
On the family’s GoFundMe page, Russell shared a touching tribute to his sons.
“Jude was a child of adventure and wonder. He had an inquisitive mind and was hungry to learn about the world around him. He had such a loving and caring soul,” he wrote.
“Ryver was a child of creativity and happiness. He radiated joy and confidence. Ryver was a people person and had a magnetic personality.”
The family also announced their decision to donate the boys’ organs, writing that “in knowing the hearts and minds of their beautiful boys, the family made the decision for them to share the gift of life through organ donation.”
The boys’ three sisters – aged 16, 14, and 3 – also suffered serious injuries, including multiple fractures and brain bleeding.
The eldest remains hospitalised and is “fighting to overcome her injuries,” while her younger sisters have since been released to recover at home.
The Baytown community has since come together to financially support the Russell family.
As of now, donations have surpassed $55,000 to help the family cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, and childcare costs.
Baytown Little League has also organised a fundraiser to help raise money for the family at this difficult time.
“It just hits so close to home when it’s so close in the community, and you know these people,” said Lily Sharp of Baytown Little League.
“They are such a big family, and a lot of people know them and what they’ve done for the community.
“It’s shaken everyone up pretty bad.”
Baytown Police stated that preliminary evidence, including dashcam footage and witness statements, shows the officer “had a green light and the right of way in the intersection where the crash occurred.”
Chief Stringer said the department’s Crash Reconstruction Team and the Harris County District Attorney’s Vehicular Crimes Division are investigating the incident.
“We ask for patience and objectivity from the community as we gather all information, which may take some time,” he added.
Officer Hightower sustained a serious leg injury in the crash.
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