News Summary

A devastating crash in Burnet County, Texas, has resulted in the deaths of five women from Dallas. The driver, Kody Lane Talley, has been arrested and faces multiple counts of manslaughter. Witnesses reported his reckless driving before the accident, which involved a head-on collision and the subsequent fire that engulfed the vehicle carrying the victims. This incident has raised serious concerns about road safety and the regulations surrounding heavy-duty vehicles.

Burnet County

A tragic crash in Burnet County, Texas, on July 25, has resulted in the deaths of five women from Dallas. The driver involved, identified as Kody Lane Talley, has been arrested and faces five counts of manslaughter.

The incident occurred when Talley was driving a 2018 Dodge Ram 4500 truck pulling a livestock trailer on U.S. 281. Witnesses reported that he swerved into oncoming traffic, leading to a devastating head-on collision with a Chevrolet Malibu. After striking the Malibu, Talley’s truck also collided with a Mercedes-Benz SUV, which subsequently overturned and caught fire, resulting in the deaths of all five women inside.

Identities of the Victims

The victims, who were all childhood friends heading to a birthday celebration, have been identified as:

• Brianna Valadez, 22
• Ruby Cruz, 23
• Jackie Velazco, 21
• Desiree Cervantes, 23
• Thalia Salinas, 23

Additionally, the driver of the Malibu, Dylan Burton, survived but sustained injuries and was hospitalized. His father, Cody Burton, who was also in the Malibu, suffered severe injuries as well.

Details of the Accident

Investigators have gathered evidence, including dashcam footage, which confirmed Talley’s erratic driving leading up to the crash. He accelerated his vehicle to full speed—up to 100% just before impact. Furthermore, authorities revealed that Talley was operating an overloaded truck that required a different driver’s license than the one he possessed. He was also required to have an ignition interlock device installed, but none was found in the vehicle.

Talley’s Criminal History

Kody Talley has a concerning history, facing two previous convictions for driving while intoxicated. Following the crash, he left the scene before authorities from the Texas Department of Public Safety could speak with him. This incident has heightened concerns regarding road safety and the regulations regarding drivers of heavy-duty vehicles.

Investigation and Upcoming Funeral Plans

The Texas Department of Public Safety is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash. The funerals for the five victims are scheduled for the upcoming week, with a community mourning the loss of the young women.

This incident underscores the grave consequences of reckless driving and the impact of impaired judgment on road safety. As the investigation continues, the community of Dallas is left to come to terms with this profound loss and honor the memories of the young women who tragically lost their lives.

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Additional Resources

• Fox 7 Austin: Burnet County Fiery Crash Manslaughter Arrest
• Wikipedia: Traffic Collision
• KVUE: Man Arrested in Burnet County Crash That Killed 5
• Google Search: Burnet County Crash
• Fox 4 News: Kody Talley Dallas Women Burnet County Crash Affidavit
• Google Scholar: Burnet County Crash
• KXAN: DPS Williamson County Man Arrested Related to Crash That Killed 5 People on US 281
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Burnet County
• CBS Austin: Williamson County Man Charged with Manslaughter in Burnet County Crash
• Google News: Burnet County Crash

Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER

DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.