GALVESTON, TX – In a heart-wrenching incident that continues to resonate, the tragic deaths of two Ball High School students in a car crash have become a focal point of legislative discussions at the Texas State Capitol. The crash, attributed to a repeat drunk driver, has spurred calls for stricter laws to prevent habitual offenders from re-entering society without serving full sentences.
The father of one of the victims, Mason Nelson, addressed lawmakers, urging them to enact measures that would keep repeat DUI offenders behind bars. His plea comes in the wake of a crash on September 2, 2022, when a group of Ball High students, returning from a volleyball game, were struck by a drunk driver. Fourteen-year-olds Mason Nelson and Sam Mixon lost their lives, while another student, Hannah Jackson, sustained a severe brain injury.
The driver, Keith Brazier, had been released on parole just hours before the fatal incident. Brazier, who had been celebrating his release by drinking at local bars, was found to have a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit when he collided with the students’ vehicle. He has since been sentenced to 50 years in prison.
The proposed legislation, discussed by a specialized corrections committee, seeks to eliminate the possibility of parole, probation, or community supervision for individuals with multiple DUI convictions. While the bill has not yet progressed, its potential to move forward remains, sparking debate among lawmakers and the public.
Opponents of the bill argue for a greater emphasis on rehabilitation programs, suggesting that addressing the root causes of substance abuse could be more effective in preventing future tragedies. However, the emotional testimony from the victims’ families underscores the urgency for change.
“These were promising young lives cut short,” Mason Nelson’s father lamented. “We need more Masons and Sams in the world, not fewer. And Hannah Jackson, too, is a remarkable young lady. This tragedy was avoidable.”
For now, the bill remains stalled, but its implications continue to be a subject of intense discussion. Whether or not it advances, the conversation around habitual DUI offenders and public safety is likely to persist in the years to come.