WhitehouseTexas.com

A Tyler teen has been charged with three counts of criminal negligent homicide for his involvement in a July 11 vehicle accident on Troup Highway that killed three people.

Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Jean Steely said on Thursday the 16-year-old voluntarily turned himself into DPS officials, but was released back to his family.

The teen is charged with the deaths of Arthur Boen Jr., 68, James David Joyce, 45, and 12-year old Stephanie Frye, all of Whitehouse.

The incident happened on Texas Highway 110, south of Tyler city limits, and according to DPS reports, Boen and the teen, were driving in opposite directions on Texas 110 when Boen’s 1997 Ford Crown Victoria and the teenager’s 2001 GMC Sierra pickup collided in the center lane at 10:27 a.m.

Boen and Joyce were pronounced dead at the scene by Justice of the Peace James Meredith. Both were wearing their seat belts.

Ms. Frye, a passenger in one of the vehicles, was transported to East Texas Medical Center in Tyler, where she was pronounced dead, according to DPS reports.

Three people were injured and transported to ETMC in Tyler. Hall was listed in critical condition, Opal Boen, 65, of Whitehouse, was listed in serious condition and Kelsey Yates, 13, of Whitehouse was listed in fair condition, according to DPS reports.

Trooper Steely said the investigation was complete and no alcohol was involved, despite rumors or earlier reports.

“The cause has been determined to be fatigue on the part of the teenager. There was no alcohol involved in this accident at all,” she said.

Trooper Steely said the teen faces up to two years in prison for each charge and fines of up to $30,000.

Kenneth Dean covers police, fire, public safety organizations, Cherokee and Rusk counties. He can be reached at 903.596.6353. e-mail: news@tylerpaper.com