BEAUMONT, Texas — A devastating crash on Interstate 10 early Monday morning left two people dead, including 34-year-old Alie Katt, a Beaumont resident and Goodyear employee. The collision, which shut down all eastbound lanes for hours, occurred around 5:20 a.m. near the 841-mile marker at Boyt Road—just west of the Goodyear plant, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Investigators say Katt was riding as a passenger in a 2015 Dodge Charger traveling eastbound when the driver attempted a lane change that went fatally wrong. The vehicle reportedly failed to complete the maneuver safely, first slamming into a water-filled barrier before careening forward into a concrete barrier with tremendous force.
Both the driver—a 34-year-old Beaumont man whose name has not yet been released—and Katt were pronounced dead at the scene by Jefferson County Precinct Four Justice of the Peace Justin Chesson. Authorities are still working to notify the driver’s family.
The violent impact left debris scattered across the highway, prompting officials to close the eastbound lanes of I-10 for several hours. The shutdown sparked major morning delays, with traffic backing up for miles past Fannett and Highway 365 as commuters were forced to reroute. Crews spent much of the morning documenting the crash scene and removing wreckage to make the roadway safe for reopening.
Texas DPS spokesperson Sgt. Shana Clark confirmed that both individuals died as a direct result of the collision. She said investigators are continuing to review physical evidence and gather witness accounts to determine all factors that may have contributed to the crash, including visibility and roadway conditions in the pre-dawn hours.
The incident marks another tragic reminder of the risks posed by high-speed travel along I-10, especially during low-light conditions when sudden lane changes can quickly turn catastrophic. Safety officials continue urging drivers to remain attentive, allow ample space for maneuvering, and adjust speeds as traffic and visibility shift.
As the investigation continues, the Beaumont community is mourning the loss of Alie Katt, remembered by coworkers and friends at Goodyear for her dedication and hardworking spirit.