Two sport utility vehicles slammed into each other on Saturday night in Cooke County when the driver of one passed a third vehicle, killing a couple and their young son, authorities said.
The driver of the passing vehicle, a Kia, also died in the crash in a no-passing zone on FM 51 near County Road 383 in Gainesville, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Cooper and Jennifer Bailey and their son Hudson died in the collision, according to Wise County Emergency Services District 3. Cooper Bailey was a city of Paradise firefighter.
The Kia was traveling south on FM 51 when its driver passed and collided head-on about 8:15 p.m. with the Baileys’ Nissan, according to DPS. The Nissan caught on fire.
The couple’s other child was taken in a helicopter to a Fort Worth hospital.
“We are grateful to share that their young daughter Lilah survived and is currently receiving care at Cook Children’s Medical Center, supported by her grandparents,” according to an emergency services district social media post.
“Firefighter Bailey was a dedicated member of this department, and his loss is felt deeply by us all,” the district wrote in the post.
A fundraiser for the family has been organized by the Butterfly Bridge Foundation.