3 former Cameron High School athletes dead after police chase ends in fiery crash

MILAM COUNTY, Texas - Three former Cameron High School student-athletes died in a fiery crash on US 190 after a police chase Thursday. 

Phabian Bynaum, 19, Davarius Bynaum, 20, and Malik Thomas, 21, died in the crash.

Milam County Sheriff Mike Clore claims Phabian Bynaum was driving more than 20 miles over the speed limit on US 190 between Cameron and Milano. He said one of his deputies attempted to stop the vehicle unsuccessfully, and that a chase began.

According to a Texas Department of Public Safety Press release, Phabian Bynaum lost control of the vehicle as he attempted to pass another car. The vehicle crashed into a tree, barreled through a fence, flipped and caught fire in a field. 

"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," TxDPS said.

"Don’t know how to take it at this moment," said Raquel Huerta. 

She stopped at the crash site to pay her respects. Her daughters were friends and schoolmates with the three young men. 

"God's helping. What can we do just leave it in God's hands and help and pray for the families," she said. 

Cameron High School and the community held a prayer vigil Friday evening. 

"This affected the families, but it also affected our community here. Each boy belonged to all of us. These are our kids, our babies," one speaker said. 

"When I heard the news yesterday, as a parent, my heart ached immediately," another speaker said.

In a statement, Superintendent Kevin Sprinkles said counselors would be made available for students and staff at each of the district’s schools.