Phabian Bynaum was driving more than 20 miles over the speed limit on US 190 between Cameron and Milano, Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore told FOX 7 Austin. He said one of his deputies attempted to stop the vehicle unsuccessfully, and that a chase began.
Bynaum lost control of the vehicle as he attempted to pass another car, a Texas Department of Public Safety press release states. The vehicle then crashed into a tree, barreled through a fence, flipped and caught fire in a field.
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Phabian Bynaum, 19, Davarius Bynaum, 20, and Malik Thomas, 21, died in a crash following a police chase. (Provided to FOX 7 Asustin)
"This affected the families, but it also affected our community here. Each boy belonged to all of us. These are our kids, our babies," a speaker said at a prayer vigil Friday.
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Scene of the crash where three former Texas high school athletes died after a police chase. (FOX 7 Austin)
Cameron ISD Superintendent Kevin Sprinkles said counselors would be made available for students and staff at each of the district's schools.
A police chase in Milam County ended in a fiery crash on Highway 190 near Milano, Texas. Three former Cameron High School student-athletes died in that crash. (FOX 7 Austin)
Texas state law requires motorists to pull to the right side of the roadway and stop when approached by an emergency vehicle with lights and sirens activated.
"Attempting to evade law enforcement in a motor vehicle is not only a felony, it places everyone on the roadways in danger," a spokesperson for TXDPS said.