Four killed in Chambers County crash involving Liberty residents, LHS students

Speed believed to be a factor in the fatal collision that claimed the lives of three young passengers and the driver

Apr. 11, 2026 at 8:22pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield or damaged vehicle part, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the tragic aftermath of a fatal car crash.The aftermath of a fatal crash in Chambers County exposes the grim reality of the lives lost and the need for greater road safety measures.Liberty Today

A Friday evening crash in Chambers County, Texas claimed the lives of four people, including three young passengers, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. The crash occurred around 7 p.m. on April 10 on FM 563, approximately 0.8 miles south of Interstate 10. A 2005 Chrysler 300 sedan driven by Kara Beagle, 37, of Liberty, left the roadway and struck a tree, killing Beagle and all three passengers in the vehicle.

Why it matters

This tragic accident has deeply impacted the Liberty community, with Liberty High School students among the victims. The loss of young lives is always devastating, and the crash raises questions about road safety and the factors that may have contributed to the incident.

The details

According to DPS Sgt. Sammy Lattner, the passengers killed in the crash were identified as Jay'Shawn Godfrey, 19, of Houston, and two juveniles, ages 17 and 15. Authorities have not released the names of the juveniles. An autopsy will be performed on the driver, Kara Beagle, and the investigation remains ongoing. Speed is believed to have been a factor in the crash.

  • The crash occurred around 7 p.m. on April 10, 2026.
  • Next of kin for all four victims have been notified.

The players

Kara Beagle

A 37-year-old resident of Liberty, Texas who was the driver of the 2005 Chrysler 300 sedan involved in the fatal crash.

Jay'Shawn Godfrey

A 19-year-old passenger from Houston who was killed in the crash.

Two Juveniles

Two passengers, ages 17 and 15, who were killed in the crash. Their names have not been released by authorities.

Dusty McGee

The superintendent of Liberty Independent School District, who confirmed that Liberty High School students were among those killed in the crash.

Sammy Lattner

A sergeant with the Texas Department of Public Safety who provided details about the crash investigation.

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What they’re saying

“We are heartbroken by the loss our community is experiencing following a fatal car accident involving LHS students last night. When words fall short, all that we can do is come together to support one another while honoring the privacy of the families who are grieving.”

— Dusty McGee, Superintendent, Liberty Independent School District

What’s next

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing, and an autopsy will be performed on the driver, Kara Beagle, to determine if any other factors may have contributed to the incident.

The takeaway

This tragic accident has devastated the Liberty community, highlighting the importance of road safety and the need to support families and students affected by such sudden and devastating losses. As the investigation continues, the focus will be on honoring the victims and providing resources and counseling to those impacted by this heartbreaking event.