Texas Mom Loses Entire Family in Tragic Head-On Crash; Driver Faces Manslaughter Charges

What should have been an ordinary weekend turned into a nightmare for Brooke Mustard Moorehead, who lost her husband and two young children in a devastating head-on crash in Van Alstyne, Texas.

On Saturday, May 17, 41-year-old Tommy Moorehead III of Leonard, Texas, was driving with his 6-year-old daughter Lynnlee and 4-year-old son Tommy Jr. when a three-vehicle crash ended their lives. Their vehicle, a Chevrolet Silverado, burst into flames after being hit head-on by a Dodge 3500, according to reports from NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, CBS News, and FOX 4.

The crash occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Farm-to-Market Road 3133. Authorities say 63-year-old Rocky Patterson was attempting to pass another vehicle in a no-passing zone while driving uphill when he slammed into the Moorehead family’s truck.

After striking the Silverado, Patterson’s truck also collided with a Toyota Tacoma. The 74-year-old driver of that vehicle was injured but survived. Patterson was taken to the hospital and later booked into the Grayson County Jail, where he now faces three counts of manslaughter, a second-degree felony. His total bond has been set at $3 million.

At this time, it is unclear whether Patterson has legal representation. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is leading the ongoing investigation. PEOPLE magazine reports that local authorities have not commented further on the case.

A GoFundMe page organized by a colleague of Brooke’s describes the crushing grief she is now facing.

“In a single instant, Brooke lost everything,” the friend wrote.
“Tommy was a devoted husband and father, a kind soul who worked hard and loved his family with his whole heart. Lynnlee was full of life, joy and curiosity. Little Tommy Jr. was just beginning his journey in the world, always smiling and full of love.”

The tragedy struck during a deadly weekend on North Texas roads. In addition to the Van Alstyne crash, six more people died in three separate accidents, including a wrong-way crash in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 18.

As the Moorehead family mourns an unimaginable loss, the community is rallying around Brooke with messages of support and donations to help with funeral expenses.

This heartbreaking story is a reminder of how quickly life can change—and how vital road safety remains for everyone on the road.