Kountze Family Devastated as Four Killed in Utility Vehicle Crash on FM 92; One Survivor Hospitalized

HARDIN COUNTY, TEXAS — July 26, 2025 — A heartbreaking tragedy has struck the small community of Kountze, Texas, as four members of the Smart family were killed in a devastating utility vehicle crash late Friday night. A fifth family member remains hospitalized with serious injuries.

The crash, which occurred at approximately 11:35 p.m. on FM 92, involved a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) and a commercial motor vehicle. According to preliminary reports from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the UTV was attempting to enter the roadway from Jim Burns Road, just north of Silsbee, when it was struck by a southbound commercial truck.

The impact was catastrophic.

Victims Identified

DPS confirmed the identities of the four individuals fatally injured:

• Otis Smart, 46
• Melissa Smart, 33
• Triston Smart, 26
• Terry Smart, 63

All were pronounced dead at the scene.

A fifth occupant, 30-year-old Kali Smart, also of Kountze, survived the crash and was transported in critical condition to Memorial Hermann Hospital. Her current condition has not been publicly updated.

The family members were reportedly returning home from a late gathering. The incident has left the community stunned, as friends and neighbors attempt to come to grips with the sudden loss of multiple generations in a single, devastating moment.

“This is the kind of news that just stops your heart,” one family friend said. “The Smart family has always been rooted here. They’re part of this town’s fabric.”

As first responders rushed to the scene and began emergency operations, a secondary crash occurred, further complicating the night’s tragedy.

Authorities say 44-year-old Kristy Biggs, of Spurger, was driving a Chevrolet Malibu when she drove through the crash scene and struck a Hardin County patrol unit that was parked with its emergency lights activated.

Biggs was transported to CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The deputy, identified as Deputy Droddy, was inside or near the patrol vehicle at the time but was not injured.

The driver of the commercial vehicle, 34-year-old Arthur Jones of Houston, sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was also taken to CHRISTUS St. Elizabeth Hospital. He is cooperating with investigators, and authorities have not indicated any wrongdoing on his part as the investigation continues.

Crash Investigation Underway

The Texas DPS, alongside local agencies, is leading the investigation into both the primary and secondary crashes. While initial findings suggest the UTV pulled into the truck’s path, officials have not yet determined whether road conditions, visibility, speed, or other factors contributed to the fatal collision.

Crash reconstruction teams worked through the early morning hours, and the stretch of FM 92 remained closed until investigators completed their initial assessments.

Authorities have not stated whether alcohol or mechanical failure played any role, but said they are considering all possible factors as part of their ongoing analysis.

The Smarts were well-known in Kountze and surrounding communities. Terry Smart, the eldest of the victims at 63, was described as a community patriarch — a retired tradesman who was proud of his family and deeply involved in local events. His son Otis, and Otis’s children Melissa and Triston, were reportedly close-knit and active in town life.

Social media has been flooded with tributes, memories, and calls for prayers for Kali Smart, who remains hospitalized.

“There’s no way to describe how much this family meant to all of us,” one neighbor wrote. “Kali is a fighter. We’re holding on to hope for her.”

No official announcements have been made regarding funeral arrangements or fundraising efforts, but several community members have indicated that vigils and support events are already being planned.

Authorities are encouraging anyone with additional information or dashcam footage from the area near FM 92 around the time of the crash to come forward to assist with the investigation.

This remains a developing story. The Texas Department of Public Safety is expected to release more details in the coming days.