281 tragedy takes the life of local Burnet graduate

BY CHRISTI BERTELSON/HIGHLAND LAKES NEWSPAPER

Burnet High School 2014 graduate Jamal Brown died from injuries sustained in a fiery crash around 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12, just south of Park Road 4 on US 281.

“It was a horrible accident and we are thinking about the family and all involved,” said Joey Canady, chief deputy of the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office.

A second driver involved in the incident,identified as Sam Marrs from Faith Academy, was reportedly airlifted from the scene to a Round Rock trauma center for treatment of his injuries.

According to Canady, Brown was driving a Jeep northbound on US 281 when he stopped to turn into a private drive. That’s when a BMW struck Brown’s vehicle from behind, causing it to catch fire and become engulfed in flames, said Justice of the Peace Roxanne Nelson.

She pronounced Brown dead at the scene at 6:17 p.m.

Traffic came to a standstill on US 281 for over three hours while Burnet County fire, police and emergency responders worked to clear the scene.

Brown’s remains were sent to the Medical Examiner’s office in Austin for autopsy, which is protocol in such instances.

“It is so tragic,” Nelson said.

Once word of the tragedy reached the community last night, friends, family and other Burnet County residents took to social media to offer their condolences.

Many stated Brown was an amazing kid and known for his humor and the love for his family, friends and God.

Brown, originally from Violet, Louisiana, had just celebrated his 21st birthday.

During his time at Burnet High School, he was known as No. 5 on the Burnet High School Bulldogs football team and also played with the Burnet County Cowboys.

Funeral arrangements and additional details will be posted as they are made available.

See next week’s Highlander for the complete story.