5 Killed in Head-On Crash on Highway 281 in Central Texas, Caused by 80-year-old Driver

MARBLE FALLS, Texas — Seven people were killed Sunday afternoon in a major three-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 281 in Marble Falls, according to the Marble Falls Police Department.

Police said officers and deputies with the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office responded around 4:59 p.m. on May 17, 2026, to the 3100 block of South U.S. Highway 281.

Investigators determined that a black Nissan pickup truck driven by 80-year-old Antonio Lara of Lago Vista was traveling northbound when, for unknown reasons, the vehicle crossed into the southbound lanes.

Authorities said the Nissan first sideswiped a white BMW hatchback occupied by 29-year-old Lance Benick, 27-year-old Hannah Benick, and their 8-month-old son, all from Austin. The BMW sustained minor damage, and no serious injuries were reported for its occupants.

Police said the Nissan then continued traveling the wrong direction in the southbound lanes before colliding head-on with a silver Hyundai hatchback.

The Hyundai was occupied by 50-year-old Roxanne Mowrey, 55-year-old Ron Dykes, and two girls ages 3 and 5, investigators said.

Authorities confirmed that all occupants of the Nissan pickup and Hyundai hatchback were pronounced dead at the scene.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Officials thanked first responders, assisting agencies, and bystanders who stopped to help following the collision.