GRIMES COUNTY, Texas — A quiet stretch of State Highway 6 near the Grimes‑Waller county line became the scene of a heartbreaking crash Thursday afternoon that took three lives and left families and neighbors reeling. Around 12:45 p.m., a northbound 18‑wheeler drifted across the center median and slammed head‑on into a southbound 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz.
Inside that small SUV were three people from Hempstead who had plans and futures still unfolding. Charles Ortega, 45, was behind the wheel. With him rode Travis Morehead, 46, in the front seat, and 21‑year‑old Ryan Morehead in the back. All three died at the scene or soon after being taken to St. Joseph Health in Grimes.
Emergency crews reached the wreck shortly after the crash. Eyewitnesses on the roadside described a sudden, violent impact that left the Hyundai crushed and Highway 6 blocked for hours as troopers worked through the wreckage. The big rig’s driver survived with minor injuries and was taken to a hospital in Cypress for evaluation.
Families in Hempstead are now mourning. Friends described Ortega as a hardworking man who cared deeply for his loved ones. Travis and Ryan were remembered as devoted husband and dad, and a young man with his whole life ahead of him. Their community has begun sharing memories, photos, and messages of love on social media.
Texas Department of Public Safety troopers continue to investigate the cause of the crash, trying to understand why the Freightliner crossed the median in what should have been a routine drive along the highway. No charges have been announced and authorities have not released further details.
The stretch of Highway 6 near County Road 330 has seen other serious crashes in recent years, prompting local law enforcement to step up traffic safety efforts. Earlier this month, a new task force was launched in Grimes County to target speeding and unsafe driving behaviors that have contributed to a spike in serious wrecks on roads like Highway 6.
For now, the highway remains a quiet reminder of how fragile life can be. Friends, family and complete strangers have left flowers and mementos near the crash site, honoring three people taken too soon and urging others to slow down and drive with care.
