Cheryl Kubiak, Chassity Cowgill, Wyatt Humphrey Killed, 2 Injured in Car Accident near Bedias, TX

Update (April 17, 2025): Authorities said the driver of the Dodge Ram has been charged with intoxication manslaughter in this crash.

Grimes County, TX — April 4, 2025, Cheryl Kubiak, Chassity Cowgill and Wyatt Henderson were killed and two other people were injured in a multi-vehicle accident at about 10:45 p.m. on State Highway 90.

Authorities said a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 was trying to pass another vehicle while it was headed north near Bedias. It crashed head-on into a 2011 Nissan Altima and also hit a 2006 Hyundai.

Nissan driver Cheryl Kubiak, 42, and passengers Chassity Cowgill, 18, and Wyatt Humphrey, 23, were pronounced dead at the scene of the crash near the line between Grimes and Madison counties, according to authorities.

A third passenger in the Nissan and the driver of the Dodge were hospitalized with serious injuries, authorities said.

Authorities said criminal charges are expected to be filed once the investigation into the Grimes County crash is completed.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, my first thought is that I hope the families of those who were lost, and those who were seriously injured, receive the full and honest answers they deserve. A head-on collision caused by a failed passing maneuver, especially one that results in multiple fatalities, is one of the most devastating and complex kinds of crashes to investigate. While early reports suggest that the Dodge Ram driver attempted to pass another vehicle and collided with an oncoming Nissan Altima, that explanation alone doesn’t account for all the critical questions this incident raises. To understand what truly happened on State Highway 90, we need to examine three key areas of concern.

First, did the authorities thoroughly investigate the crash? In cases like this, timing and decision-making are crucial. What was the visibility like at that time of night? Were road markings clear, and was the attempted pass conducted in a legal passing zone? Did investigators evaluate whether the driver could reasonably have seen the oncoming traffic? Was the Dodge Ram speeding or overtaking in a curve or a hillcrest, where visibility is limited? Full scene reconstruction, including measuring skid marks, vehicle positions and sightlines, is essential to understanding whether this was a case of reckless judgment or a collision that could have been influenced by factors such as road design or environmental conditions.

Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect may have contributed to the crash? The vehicles involved in the crash should all be preserved and thoroughly examined. Was there a failure in the steering, brakes or acceleration system in the Dodge that may have interfered with the driver’s ability to complete or abandon the passing maneuver? Did any of the vehicles involved have lighting or signal issues that could have affected visibility or reaction time? These are not speculative concerns. Mechanical defects, especially in older vehicles like those involved here, are often underdiagnosed unless someone takes deliberate steps to investigate them.

Finally, has all the electronic data related to the crash been collected? Each of the vehicles involved — particularly the Dodge and Nissan — likely contains an engine control module capable of storing pre-crash data such as vehicle speed, throttle position, brake input and steering angle. This data can help reconstruct the timeline of the crash and determine exactly how the passing maneuver unfolded. Dashcam footage, GPS data and surveillance cameras in the area may also provide vital insights into the sequence of events. This evidence is often the most reliable and must be secured promptly before it’s overwritten or lost.

A crash of this magnitude deserves the most thorough investigation possible. Three lives were lost, and two others were seriously injured. While criminal charges may address the most immediate legal responsibility, they don’t answer all the questions families may have about how this happened and whether anything else contributed to the outcome. By asking the right questions, preserving all the evidence and exploring every possible factor, we move closer to uncovering the full truth, and giving those affected the clarity and accountability they are owed.