Makenna Kirk, Jackson Ward Injured in Crash on Mona Dr in Longview, TX
Longview, TX — November 10, 2022, 18-year-old Makenna Kirk and 20-year-old Jackson Ward were injured in an auto accident on Mona Drive in Longview.
Authorities say the incident happened around 1:45 a.m. on Mona near Loop 281. Preliminary investigation suggests Ward was driving a Ford Ranger pickup east on the roadway when he lost control. The pickup ran off the road and traveled down a ravine, then hit some trees and came to rest.
Ward and his passenger Kirk were seriously injured in the wreck. Both were transported to an area hospital; investigators later added that Ward was allegedly intoxicated at the time of the crash. A warrant was obtained and blood samples were collected for testing.
No further information is available at this time.
Commentary on Makenna Kirk, Jackson Ward Accident in Longview
Obviously any suggestion of drunk driving is one to take seriously, but it's even more concerning when the alleged DWI suspect isn't of legal drinking age. There are clearly some questions to answer about where exactly the suspected drunk driver's alcohol came from that night, since it's possible a local business is getting too lax about checking ID's. However, it may surprise people to learn there are other reasons to find out where the drinks came from. For example, if a business over-served the driver then it may be liable for the injuries he and his passenger suffered in the wreck.
That's because of Texas dram shop law, which basically says that an alcohol provider who over-serves an obviously intoxicated person may be liable for damages resulting from that intoxication. Not only could some bar or store be in trouble for serving an underage person, but it could also be liable for his and his passenger's injuries if its illegal over-service was part of the reason they crashed.
Is the possibility that a local bar is not just serving but over-serving minors enough reason for Longview police to find out where the driver drank? If not, someone else may need to ensure those details are learned in case a local business needs a lesson about its priorities. If the victims can get some much-needed help in the process, even better.
