me the scene of a life-altering tragedy, leaving a mother to face an unthinkable loss and a community rallying to help her through the aftermath.
A tragic car crash in Van Alstyne, Texas, has claimed the lives of a father and his two young children. The incident took place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, around 12:30 p.m., onĀ Farm-to-Market RoadĀ 3133, just west of Jim Cannon Road, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS).
AuthoritiesĀ sayĀ the crash involved three vehicles. A Dodge 3500, driven by 63-year-old Rocky Patterson of Rowlett, attempted to pass a Toyota Tacoma in a no-passing zone while heading uphill.
During the attempt, Patterson’s vehicle collided head-on with a Chevrolet Silverado, which then caught fire. The Dodge also struck the Toyota Tacoma, according to officials.
The driver of the Silverado, 41-year-old Tommy Moorehead III from Leonard, wasĀ pronounced deadĀ at the scene. Two children, ages 4 and 6, who were also in the Silverado, died at the scene as well, according to the TxDPS.
The driver of the Toyota Tacoma received treatment at the crash site, officials stated. Patterson was taken to Baylor Scott White Health in McKinney for treatment before being arrested and taken into custody on Sunday. The extent of his injuries has not been made public.
He was later booked into the Grayson County Jail andĀ charged withĀ three counts of second-degree felony manslaughter. His bond was set at $3 million.
Trenton Independent School District responded to the news on Monday with a public statement mourning the loss. The districtĀ confirmedĀ that one of the children who died was a first-grade student.
“Our district will have extra help on the elementary campus tomorrow to assist students and staff as needed,” the statementĀ read. “If extra assistance is needed beyond tomorrow, we will make arrangements for that as well.”
As of now, the TxDPS has said the investigation into the crash remains active. It is not yet known whether Patterson has secured legal representation.
Following the devastating crash that claimed the lives of Tommy and his two children, support has poured in for his wife, Brooke Mustard Moorehead.
AĀ GoFundMeĀ campaign, organized by Carmen Hall, has been launched to assist Brooke in covering funeral costs and other unforeseen expenses. “In a single instant, Brooke lost everything,”Ā readĀ a part of the description on the online fundraising page.
The campaignĀ describesĀ the depth of the loss. “Her entire family ā her loving husband Tommy, their beautiful young daughter Lynnlee, and their sweet toddler son Tommy Jr. ā were tragically killed in a horrific collision on FM 3133 in Van Alstyne, Texas.”
As of May 21, the fundraiser hasĀ receivedĀ $75,809 out of its $150,000 goal, with contributions from 794 donors. Additional donations are expected as the campaign continues to circulate.
The pageĀ honorsĀ Tommy as “a devoted husband and father, a kind soul who worked hard and loved his family with his whole heart.” ItĀ recallsĀ Lynnlee’s “life, joy, and curiosity” andĀ remembersĀ little Tommy Jr. as “always smiling and full of love.”
Brooke isĀ describedĀ as a valued and compassionate figure in her workplace. “She has been an anchor in our restaurant family for almost a decade ā loyal, hardworking, compassionate, and strong,” the postĀ states. The campaign emphasizes that she has always shown care to others and now needs the same in return.
“We are raising funds to support Brooke with funeral arrangements and the many unexpected expenses that follow such a catastrophic loss,” itĀ adds. The organizers urge the public to share the page and contribute,Ā stressing, “Every contribution, no matter the size, will help ease the burden and show her she is not alone.”
The messageĀ concludesĀ with a heartfelt note from those behind the fundraiser. “Thank you for your compassion, your generosity, and your prayers during this unimaginable time.”
ThisĀ tragic incidentĀ has left a community in mourning and a mother facing profound loss. As the investigation continues, support for Brooke reflects the deep impact of the lives lost and the collective effort to help one family begin to heal.
