Four Lives Lost in Heartbreaking Crash on US 87 in Hartley County

 Four Lives Lost in Heartbreaking Crash on US 87 in Hartley County

HARTLEY COUNTY, Texas — Tragedy struck in the Texas Panhandle on Wednesday afternoon when a devastating crash along U.S. Highway 87 claimed the lives of four people traveling together in a single car. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed that the victims have been identified as 20-year-old Myunique Johnson, 18-year-old Lakeisha Brown, 31-year-old Breanna Brantley, and 28-year-old Taylor White.

According to preliminary reports from DPS, the crash occurred shortly before 3:00 p.m. near the small community of Hartley. The victims’ vehicle was traveling southbound when, for reasons still under investigation, it collided head-on with a northbound truck. The force of the impact was catastrophic, leaving the car severely damaged. Despite the immediate response of emergency crews, all four occupants of the car were pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the truck was transported to a nearby hospital with injuries that were described as non-life-threatening. Investigators are working to determine what led up to the collision, including whether weather, road conditions, or driver fatigue may have played a role. Traffic on US 87 was shut down for several hours as law enforcement officers reconstructed the scene and cleared the wreckage.

Hartley County Sheriff’s deputies, volunteer firefighters, and DPS troopers described the crash as one of the most devastating they’ve seen in recent memory. “It’s just an unspeakable tragedy,” one first responder said. “Four young lives lost in an instant—it breaks your heart.”

News of the crash has sent shockwaves through the close-knit Panhandle communities where the victims lived and worked. Friends and relatives have taken to social media to express their grief and disbelief, sharing photos, memories, and messages of love for the four women who shared not only a car that day but deep bonds of friendship.

“Myunique, Lakeisha, Breanna, and Taylor were more than friends—they were sisters in every way that mattered,” one post read. “They laughed together, dreamed together, and now they’re gone together. This loss is unbearable.”

Each of the victims is being remembered for their warmth, kindness, and joyful spirits.

• Myunique Johnson, 20, was described by her family as an ambitious and loving young woman with a contagious smile who dreamed of pursuing a nursing career.
• Lakeisha Brown, just 18, had recently graduated high school and was preparing to start college next semester. Friends say she was full of energy and optimism for the future.
• Breanna Brantley, 31, was known for her dedication to family and her ability to lift others up during difficult times. She was a mother, daughter, and friend whose strength inspired many.
• Taylor White, 28, was remembered as a hard worker with a generous heart, always willing to help anyone in need.

A community vigil is being planned in their memory, with candles, prayers, and songs to honor their lives and support the grieving families. Local churches have also opened their doors for counseling and comfort services, recognizing the deep emotional impact the crash has had on residents across Hartley County.

Texas DPS officials used the tragedy as a reminder of the importance of safe driving, particularly on long, open stretches of highway where high speeds and fatigue can quickly turn dangerous.

“This is a painful reminder that life can change in seconds,” said Sgt. Cindy Barkley of the Texas DPS. “We urge everyone to slow down, stay alert, and remember that every life on the road matters.”

As investigations continue, families are left to piece together their lives in the aftermath of unimaginable loss. Four vibrant individuals, connected by friendship and love, are gone far too soon—but their memories will live on through those who knew them, loved them, and will never forget them.

The Hartley County community now stands united in mourning—lighting candles, offering prayers, and holding one another close as they remember Myunique Johnson, Lakeisha Brown, Breanna Brantley, and Taylor White—four lives taken too soon, but never forgotten.