Mother and Daughter Killed in Jasper County Crash

Family and friends mourn the loss of Meagan Martin and her 13-year-old daughter Serenity Rivera

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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A mother and daughter were killed in a crash on Highway 62 in Jasper County, Texas on Friday night. Meagan Martin, 35, and her 13-year-old daughter Serenity Rivera died after their vehicle was struck by a pickup truck that crossed into oncoming traffic. Martin's 9-year-old son was also in the vehicle and suffered a broken leg. The crash remains under investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Why it matters

This tragic accident has left a family and community in mourning, highlighting the devastating impact of fatal crashes on loved ones. The investigation into the cause of the crash will be important to determine if any safety or policy changes are needed to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The details

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, Timmy Castillo was driving a Dodge pickup when he crossed into oncoming traffic, sideswiped a Honda and then struck the Chevrolet truck that Meagan Martin was driving. Martin's two children, Serenity Rivera, 13, and Lee Martin, 9, were also in the vehicle at the time. Serenity Rivera later died at CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital, while Martin's son suffered a broken leg and underwent surgery.

  • The crash occurred on Friday night on Highway 62 in Jasper County, Texas.

The players

Meagan Martin

A 35-year-old mother who was killed in the crash.

Serenity Rivera

Meagan Martin's 13-year-old daughter who was killed in the crash.

Lee Martin

Meagan Martin's 9-year-old son who suffered a broken leg in the crash.

Timmy Castillo

The driver of the Dodge pickup truck that crossed into oncoming traffic and struck Meagan Martin's vehicle.

Stephanie Shaw

Meagan Martin's best friend who is mourning her loss.

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What they’re saying

“I dropped the phone. I didn't know what to think. It didn't feel real. It still don't feel real. I don't want it to be real.”

— Stephanie Shaw, Meagan Martin's best friend (12newsnow.com)

“She was probably the most selfless, kind, fiercely loyal. I can still hear her laugh it. Definitely brings tears to my eyes, but I'll never hear that laugh again.”

— Stephanie Shaw, Meagan Martin's best friend (12newsnow.com)

“My oldest, it was kind of like her little sister. Serenity looked up to her and my two little ones looked up to Serenity.”

— Stephanie Shaw, Meagan Martin's best friend (12newsnow.com)

“They both still had so much life ahead of them. It hurts. It breaks my heart.”

— Stephanie Shaw, Meagan Martin's best friend (12newsnow.com)

What’s next

The Texas Department of Public Safety continues to investigate the cause of the crash.

The takeaway

This tragic accident has devastated a family and community, highlighting the importance of road safety and the need for continued efforts to prevent such senseless loss of life on our roads.