JASPER COUNTY, Texas — A tragic crash on Friday night, July 25, 2025, has claimed the lives of four members of the same family. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has confirmed that Otis Smart, Melissa Smart, Triston Smart, and Terry Smart were killed when their utility task vehicle (UTV) collided with a commercial 18-wheeler on Farm-to-Market Road 92 near Jim Burns Road.
Authorities responded to the scene around 9:20 p.m., where they found the UTV severely damaged following a devastating impact with the semi-truck. All four occupants of the UTV were pronounced dead at the scene.
The victims have been identified as:
- Otis Smart, age 46, a resident of Jasper, known for his devotion to family and strong work ethic.
- Melissa Smart, age 33, Otis’s wife, remembered for her warmth, loyalty, and love for her family.
- Triston Smart, age 26, the couple’s son, described by friends as kind-hearted and ambitious.
- Terry Smart, age 63, Otis’s father and the family’s patriarch, beloved for his wisdom and steady presence.
Preliminary findings indicate that the UTV the Smarts were traveling in entered the roadway and was struck by the northbound 18-wheeler. The driver of the semi-truck was not injured and stayed at the scene to assist law enforcement.
Investigators are still working to determine what caused the UTV to enter the lane of travel. The DPS is continuing its traffic investigation, including a reconstruction of the crash to understand all contributing factors.
The loss of the Smart family has stunned the local community. Friends, neighbors, and coworkers have expressed deep sorrow over the sudden and overwhelming tragedy.
“Losing four members of one family at once — it’s hard to even process,” said a family friend. “Otis was a hard worker and dedicated father. Melissa had a beautiful spirit. Triston was just beginning his adult life, and Terry was the rock of the family. This loss touches everyone in Jasper.”
In the wake of the tragedy, safety officials are urging drivers to be cautious when operating UTVs on or near roadways. While often used in rural settings, UTVs are not built for highway speeds or collisions with large vehicles and should be operated with heightened care and within recommended areas.
As of now, no charges have been filed, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Funeral arrangements for Otis Smart, Melissa Smart, Triston Smart, and Terry Smart are expected to be announced in the coming days. In the meantime, grief counselors and clergy are working with the family and the greater Jasper community to provide emotional support.
This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of how fragile life can be and underscores the importance of road safety. The memory of the Smart family — their love, unity, and impact — will live on in the hearts of all who knew them.
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