Fatal Collision on FM-1988 South in Swartwout Claims Young Life, Injures Several Others

Fatal Collision on FM-1988 South in Swartwout Claims Young Life, Injures Several Others

Swartwout, TX — October 11, 2025 — A routine evening drive turned tragic on the evening of October 11, when a collision at the intersection of FM-1988 South and FM-3278 resulted in the death of a young passenger and injuries to several others. The incident occurred at approximately 6:32 pm, drawing a swift response from local emergency services and law enforcement.

According to authorities, the accident involved a blue 2010 Dodge pickup truck driven by 31-year-old Jack Wilenski of Splendora, and a white 2013 Nissan Altima operated by 17-year-old Justin Edward Jackson of Livingston. Wilenski was traveling southbound on FM-1988 South as Jackson pulled onto FM-1988 from FM-3278.

Officials report that Jackson failed to yield the right of way as he entered FM-1988, forcing Wilenski to take evasive action to avoid a collision. Despite Wilenski swerving to the right, the collision was unavoidable. The pickup struck the rear driver’s side of Jackson’s vehicle with significant force, causing Wilenski’s truck to roll over and Jackson’s car to spin and come to rest on the pavement.

A Polk County Deputy was the first law enforcement official to arrive at the scene shortly after the crash. Emergency services were immediately dispatched, including Allegiance Ambulance Service, the Goodrich Volunteer Fire Department, additional deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and Texas Highway Patrol Troopers Terrence Dickens and Sean Barnes.

Tragically, a nine-year-old boy who was a passenger in Jackson’s vehicle was rushed to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital by ambulance but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. The driver, Jackson, along with two other passengers, were also transported to the hospital with injuries sustained in the crash. Wilenski was reportedly unharmed in the incident.

The accident caused significant traffic disruption in the area, with all vehicles attempting to exit FM-3278 redirected and FM-1988 temporarily closed for investigation and cleanup. Tow services were called to clear the wreckage, with LakeView Towing handling Jackson’s Nissan and Smith Towing recovering Wilenski’s Dodge pickup, both out of Livingston.

At this time, the Texas Highway Patrol is actively investigating the circumstances that led to this devastating crash. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information related to the incident to come forward to assist with the ongoing investigation.

The community is left mourning the loss of a young life and grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event. Officials and emergency responders have reminded motorists to exercise extreme caution at intersections and to adhere strictly to traffic laws to prevent similar incidents.

Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.