GRIMES COUNTY, TX (THECOUNT) — Charles Ortega, 45, Travis Morehead, 46, and his son, Ryan Morehead, 21, all of Hempstead, Texas, were killed Thursday afternoon in a two-vehicle crash on State Highway 6 near the Grimes and Waller County line, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The collision occurred at approximately 12:45 p.m. Thursday along State Highway 6, a major north–south transportation route that connects the Bryan–College Station area with the greater Houston region. The crash took place in Grimes County, near the boundary with neighboring Waller County.
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DPS Sgt. Justin Ruiz said preliminary findings from the ongoing investigation indicate a 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz was traveling southbound on Highway 6 at the time of the crash. A 2020 Freightliner 18-wheeler was traveling northbound when it crossed the center median and entered the southbound lanes of traffic.
The Freightliner struck the Hyundai, resulting in severe damage to the passenger vehicle. The circumstances that caused the commercial truck to cross the median have not been released, and DPS has not stated whether mechanical failure, driver condition, or roadway factors may have played a role.
Charles Ortega, identified as the driver of the Hyundai Santa Cruz, was pronounced dead at the scene by Grimes County Justice of the Peace Mark Laughlin. Travis Morehead, who was seated in the front passenger position, was also pronounced dead at the scene by Justice Laughlin.
Ryan “Bear” Morehead, a rear-seat passenger, sustained critical injuries and was transported by emergency responders to CHI St. Joseph Health Grimes Hospital. Despite medical intervention, he later died from his injuries and was pronounced deceased by hospital staff.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has not released information regarding seat belt usage, vehicle speeds, or whether impairment was suspected. Toxicology testing and vehicle inspections are standard components of fatal crash investigations and will be included in the final report.
The driver and passenger of the Freightliner were transported to Memorial Hermann – Cypress for treatment of suspected minor injuries. Their identities have not been released. DPS has not announced whether charges or citations will be filed in connection with the crash.
Traffic along Highway 6 was significantly impacted for several hours as DPS troopers conducted a scene investigation and crash reconstruction. The Texas Department of Transportation assisted with traffic control while emergency crews cleared debris and removed the damaged vehicles.
Highway 6 serves as a primary commercial and commuter route through Grimes County, with frequent heavy truck traffic. Divided sections of the highway are designed to reduce head-on collisions, though median crossover crashes often result in serious or fatal outcomes due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles.
DPS officials stated the investigation remains active and ongoing. A completed crash report will be released once all findings have been reviewed and finalized.
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