Dayton teen involved in crash that claimed two lives

HIGH ISLAND – Law enforcement is investigating a tragic accident that claimed the lives of two Anahuac High School students over the weekend.

According to Chambers County Sheriff Brian Hawthorne, a call came into 911 dispatchers on Saturday, Aug. 12, reporting a vehicle driving erratically at a high rate of speed on Texas Highway 124 through High Island, then westbound on FM 1985.

When law enforcement discovered the vehicle, described as a 2008 BMW passenger car, it had collided with a tractor- trailer and was fully engulfed in flames.

According to investigators, the driver, Gage Leath, 17, who also attends Anahuac High School, but resides in Dayton, was able to escape the vehicle. He was sent by air ambulance to Houston Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he remains in critical condition.

The two passengers, Travon Williams and Javion West, both died at the scene.

Local communities have rallied around Anahuac and a weekend prayer vigil was held to remember the students.

The investigation into the accident by the Texas Department of Public Safety is ongoing.