GARLAND, TX (12/22/2014) — A tragic accident on Interstate 30 has claimed the lives of a father and son from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and left the mother hospitalized.
The accident occurred Monday evening on Interstate 30 near Bobtown Road. Garland police and fire responded to the scene of the accident around 9:15 p.m. to find two sport utility vehicles on fire in the 400 block of eastbound I-30 (near Lake Ray Hubbard).
According to reports, the Schumpert family was traveling eastbound on I-30 when they came upon a massive backup caused by an earlier wreck. As they slowed for traffic, a large SUV (Chevy Suburban) slammed into the rear of their Ford Escape. Both vehicles then ended up catching fire.
According to Joe Harn of the Garland Police Department, police and fire showed up and were able to get both drivers out of the vehicles. Unfortunately, both 28-year-old Jarred Schumpert and 2-year-old Lyndon Schumpert were killed. Laura Schumpert, who was driving, was transported to Parkland Memorial Hospital in Dallas for treatment of burns. She remains in fair condition.
The driver of the SUV that caused the accident was taken to Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas for treatment of injuries that were said to be non-life threatening. Police say that alcohol was not believed to be a factor, but that the driver was speeding. A grand jury will later decide if that driver (20 year-old Mikel Taylor Loftin of Bogata, Texas) should face criminal charges for failure to control speed.
The Schumpert family was from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and police believe the family was traveling through the area for the holidays. It’s heartbreaking to hear of a tragedy like this, and especially during the holiday season. Our thoughts go out to their friends and family during this extremely difficult time.
