Crash East of Texarkana Kills 3 College Students

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Three college students from Abilene, Texas were killed in a single-vehicle crash on a rural highway east of Texarkana early Sunday morning. The students were traveling back to their university campus when their car left the roadway and struck a tree. Police are investigating the cause of the accident, which occurred around 2 a.m. on State Highway 67.

Why it matters

The tragic loss of three young lives has shaken the Abilene community, where the students attended a local university. The accident has raised concerns about highway safety in the region and the risks faced by college students traveling long distances, especially late at night.

The details

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the victims were identified as 20-year-old Megan Flores, 21-year-old Javier Ramirez, and 22-year-old Samantha Hernandez, all students at Abilene Christian University. Investigators say the 2015 Toyota Camry they were traveling in left the two-lane highway and struck a tree, killing all three occupants instantly.

• The accident occurred around 2 a.m. on Sunday, April 1, 2026.
• The students were traveling back to Abilene after visiting friends in the Texarkana area.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash, but say they are investigating whether speed, distracted driving, or other factors may have contributed to the accident. The university is providing counseling and support services to students, faculty, and staff affected by the tragedy.