Two Newton teenagers—Beau Vayon, 14, and Kinden Washington, 15—died after an ATV and a pickup collided on State Highway 87 in Newton County. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) said the crash happened around 10:15 p.m. on Aug. 29 near County Road 3036.
What DPS says happened
DPS reported the ATV was traveling south along the shoulder of the northbound side of SH 87 as it approached a curve. A northbound pickup driver saw the ATV’s headlights and moved toward the east ditch to avoid it. According to DPS, the ATV also moved that direction at roughly the same time, leading to the collision.
Both teenagers were taken to Jasper Memorial Hospital, where they died from their injuries, DPS said. The pickup driver—identified by DPS as Gary Riley, 56, of Newton—was not hurt.
At the scene: a grandfather’s account
Ronnie Cochran told Opposing Views he heard the crash from his home and went to the site knowing his grandson and his grandson’s friend had been riding that evening. Cochran said he found one of the injured teens and stayed with him as responders worked. “I talked to him, told him to stay with us, ambulances were coming,” Cochran recalled. He said the teenager later died.
Cochran praised first responders, saying troopers applied tourniquets and maneuvered under the vehicle to reach the boys, while sheriff’s deputies and EMS assisted. He also told Opposing Views the ATV was positioned near a small ravine with all four wheels on the ground, which made access tight.
Who the boys were
Opposing Views reported both teens were classmates connected to the Newton Eagles community—members of the junior varsity football program and the marching band.
How Newton is helping
According to Opposing Views, separate fundraising efforts have been set up for both families. A bake sale is scheduled for Sept. 12 at the Newton County Courthouse square, and Meal Train efforts are helping provide food and support.
Investigation status
DPS said the investigation is ongoing. Because the victims were minors, their ages—rather than names—were included in the preliminary report.
