DALLAS — A 9-year-old University Park girl was among two killed in a three-vehicle crash Saturday on U.S. Highway 70 near the Texas-Oklahoma border. Four of her family members were also injured, officials say.
Michael Mullens, 48, Marissa Mullens, 45, their three children, and family dog were going southeast on U.S. 70 (287) near Oklaunion when the driver of a Honda Odyssey lost control, went over a cable barrier and through a median before crashing head-on into the Mullens’ GMC Yukon, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. A Honda Pilot was unable to avoid the wreck and also crashed into the Yukon, officials say.
The driver of the Odyssey, Than Than Shwe, 43, was pronounced dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash, officials say.
The preliminary Texas DPS report says it was raining and roads were wet when the crash happened on U.S. Highway 70 (287) shortly after 6 p.m. about 42 miles northwest of Wichita Falls -- about 180 miles northwest of Dallas.
Molly, 9, a third grader at University Park Elementary, according to Highland Park ISD, was taken to an area hospital where she was later pronounced dead, officials say.
“Molly exemplified joy and kindness in our school. Her enthusiasm for life and learning was noticeable, and she had a remarkable way of making each day brighter for everyone around her. Molly's absence will be deeply felt by all who had the pleasure of knowing her,” said University Park Elementary School Principal Kim Banuelos in a statement.
Michael, Marissa, and their sons Sean, 15, a student at Highland Park High School according to the district, and Conner, 13, a student at Highland Park Middle School, were also taken to a local hospital with “incapacitating” injuries, officials say.
A GoFundMe page set up for the Mullens family has raised $29,758 of its $50,000 goal as of Tuesday afternoon.
A 14-year-old passenger in the Odyssey, the driver of the Honda Pilot, Hernando Trejos, 44, of Fort Worth, and passenger Lorena Trejos, 39, were also taken to an area hospital, officials said.
Texas DPS Sgt. Juan Gutierrez says all injured people who were taken to the hospital from the crash were in stable condition as of Sunday. The three children were transported to Cook Children’s in Fort Worth, Gutierrez added.
The Mullens’ Goldendoodle dog, Allie, ran away after the crash but was later found and returned to the family, according to officials.
This is a developing story. WFAA will update this story as additional information becomes available.
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