A Texas community is grieving after a devastating collision involving a police car and a family’s minivan left two children dead and three others injured.
Baytown police, located about 25 miles east of Houston, said Officer Michael Hightower — a two-and-a-half-year department veteran — was driving through an intersection on Thursday, Oct. 23, when the crash occurred. He had been responding as backup to an ongoing “persons with a weapon” call.
According to reports from FOX 26 Houston and KHOU, Hightower’s vehicle collided with a 2023 Honda Odyssey carrying a woman and five children. Two of the children were transported to a nearby hospital, while the woman and three other kids were treated at the scene. The officer also sustained a leg injury and was taken to the hospital.
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Tragically, Baytown police later confirmed that two siblings, ages 8 and 10, died from their injuries. Two of their sisters remain hospitalized in critical condition.
Authorities said video footage and witness accounts show that Hightower had a green light and the right of way when entering the intersection.
A GoFundMe fundraiser created for the Russell family shared that the two boys “passed peacefully, surrounded by the love and support of family.” The campaign, which has raised more than $55,000, aims to help cover medical expenses and other urgent needs. The family’s three surviving daughters are 16, 14, and 3 years old.
According to the fundraiser, the girls were “fighting bravely with multiple fractures, a brain bleed, and other injuries.” The two youngest have since been discharged, while the eldest remains hospitalized.
“The family is doing everything they can to stay strong — balancing hospital visits, caring for the kids, and trying to cope with the crushing emotional and financial weight of this tragedy,” the organizers wrote.
The Baytown Little League has also stepped in to support the Russells through a raffle fundraiser. “It just hits so close to home,” said Lily Sharp of Baytown Little League, noting that many in the community know and care deeply for the family. “It’s shaken everyone up pretty badly.”
Police continue to investigate and reconstruct the events leading up to the crash. “This tragedy leaves us without words,” said Police Chief John Stringer. “Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for everyone impacted. As a father, I feel this loss deeply and extend my sincerest condolences to the family during this heartbreaking time.”
