An early-morning car crash near Conroe claimed the lives of a Cleveland family of four. Jennifer Clouse, 27, her husband Nathan Clouse, 28, and their children, Jordan, 6, and Bailey, 8, were driving west on Texas 105 at about 5:45 a.m. when the accident occurred.
They were going to drop Nathan off at his job as a mechanic where he worked on industrial centrifuges. At the same time, Kevin Golden, 40, was traveling eastbound in his 2003 Dodge Ram when he swerved into the same lane as the Clouse family. He smashed into the 2000 Volkswagen Jetta, and the family was instantly killed. Golden, a New Caney resident, was taken to Memorial Hermann Hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening, head and internal injuries.
All four family members were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. Officials at the scene said it was one of the worst accidents they've ever seen, due to the loss of life and severe damage to the vehicles. The engine from Golden's truck actually flew out of his car upon impact. It is unclear as to what exactly caused the accident—the vehicles were not racing, they were traveling at the same speed, no one was texting or talking on cellphones, and no alcohol was found in Golden's system (though they are still checking for drugs). It was, however, rainy, and the road was quite slick at the time. This stretch of Texas 105 is also known for being dangerous. No protective barrier exists separating the two-way, 60-mph traffic, and the curve is on an incline.
If anyone witnessed the accident, they are asked to call DPS dispatch at 281-517-1300 or the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office at 936-539-7800.
Girards Law Firm would like to extend their most heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the Clouse family.