A tragic mishap tore through the relative calm of Hempstead Road yesterday as three vehicles collided in what authorities have described as a major crash. Harris County Sheriff's deputies responded to the scene at 36598 Hempstead Rd, where initial reports indicated a male passenger unresponsive, with CPR in progress. The road was closed in all directions as emergency services worked at the site.
As details emerge from the wreckage, 51-year-old Shelley Buttram, behind the wheel of a Mazda Miata, made a lethal left turn—possibly in an attempt for a u-turn or entry into a private driveway. In severe misjudgment or miscalculation, Buttram cut across an oncoming BMW, triggering a catastrophic impact. According to Sheriff Ed Gonzalez's X update, the BMW collided with the Mazda, grievously wounding Buttram's passenger, an 85-year-old man, who was later identified as her father and who succumbed to his injuries en route to the hospital.
@HCSOTexas units are on the scene of a major crash at 36598 Hempstead Rd. Preliminary: 3 vehicles involved. One male was reported unresponsive and CPR was in progress. All lanes are currently shut down. #HouNews pic.twitter.com/IW1GN30XRL
— Ed Gonzalez (@SheriffEd_HCSO) January 6, 2024
Further investigation reveals that Buttram may have been intoxicated at the time of the crash. Charges of Intoxication Manslaughter have been filed following the incident. The Harris County Sheriff's Office has stated that an investigation into the crash is ongoing.
