HARDIN COUNTY, TX — Authorities Release Identities of Four Family Members Killed in Tragic FM 92 Crash
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has officially released the names of the four individuals who tragically lost their lives in a devastating crash late Friday night on Farm-to-Market Road 92 near Jim Burns Road in Hardin County. The crash, which involved a utility task vehicle (UTV) and a commercial 18-wheeler, occurred around 11:30 p.m. on July 25, 2025, and has left the small East Texas community heartbroken.
According to DPS investigators, the victims have been identified as members of the Smart family:
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Otis Smart, 46,
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Melissa Smart, 33,
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Triston Smart, 26,
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Terry Smart, 63.
All four victims were pronounced dead at the scene.
Preliminary findings suggest that the family was traveling together in a side-by-side UTV when the tragic collision occurred. The UTV was reportedly heading north on FM 92 when it collided with a southbound 18-wheeler near the intersection with Jim Burns Road, several miles north of Silsbee. Authorities have not yet confirmed which vehicle may have crossed the center line, but the impact was described as catastrophic. The UTV sustained heavy damage and was found overturned in a ditch beside the highway.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene within minutes of the initial 911 calls. Despite their swift arrival, none of the occupants in the UTV could be saved. All four were declared deceased at the scene due to blunt-force trauma resulting from the high-speed collision.
The driver of the 18-wheeler, who has not yet been identified publicly, was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries and is reportedly cooperating with investigators. Toxicology testing is being conducted as part of standard procedure, but DPS has not released any information suggesting alcohol or drugs were involved.
DPS troopers closed FM 92 for several hours into Saturday morning to conduct a detailed crash investigation and scene reconstruction. Traffic was rerouted as crews worked to clear the debris and gather evidence from the heavily damaged vehicles.
The Smart family, all believed to be residents of the Hardin County area, were known in their community as close-knit and kind-hearted. Otis and Melissa Smart were husband and wife, and Triston was Otis’s son. Terry Smart, the eldest of the group, is believed to be Otis’s father. Their sudden loss has left a profound void among friends, extended family, and neighbors, many of whom took to social media to express shock, grief, and support.
“This is a deeply tragic loss for one family and for the entire community,” said a spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety. “Our hearts go out to the relatives and loved ones affected by this horrible crash. We are working diligently to determine the circumstances that led to the collision and will provide updates as the investigation unfolds.”
The incident has reignited concerns about the safety of rural roadways in the region—especially for UTVs and other recreational vehicles, which are not always designed for highway speeds or visibility during nighttime travel. DPS officials emphasized that while some UTVs may be legally operated on public roads under specific conditions, their use after dark and on narrow, high-speed routes can pose serious risks.
In the wake of the tragedy, friends of the Smart family have started organizing a memorial and support fund to help cover funeral expenses and honor the lives of those lost. A candlelight vigil is expected to take place in Silsbee later this week, with details to be announced by the family’s church and local community leaders.
As the investigation into the fatal crash continues, DPS is urging any witnesses or individuals who may have seen the UTV or the 18-wheeler prior to the crash to come forward. Witness testimonies could prove vital in piecing together the final moments before the impact.
This tragedy marks one of the most significant losses of life in a single crash in Hardin County in recent memory and serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers that can arise on rural Texas roads—especially at night.
The community mourns with the Smart family, holding close the memories of Otis, Melissa, Triston, and Terry, whose lives were taken far too soon.