Tragic report: The East Texas travel softball team Mourns Two Players Lost in Horrific Crash as Listed…
Tyler, TX – April 11, 2025 — In an unfathomable tragedy that has shaken the East Texas sports community, two young athletes from the East Texas Flames, a competitive girls travel softball team, lost their lives in a horrific vehicle crash late Thursday evening. The incident, which occurred along a rural stretch of Highway 64 just west of Tyler, has left families, teammates, and the broader community in deep mourning.
The two players—Madison “Maddie” Ellis, 15, of Longview, and Riley Parker, 16, of Jacksonville—were returning from a team bonding dinner when the SUV they were traveling in was struck by an oncoming pickup truck that crossed the centerline.
Despite immediate response from emergency services, both girls were pronounced dead at the scene. Three other teammates in the vehicle sustained injuries but are expected to recover.
The Crash
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the crash occurred around 10:12 p.m. Thursday night. The SUV, driven by a Flames team parent, was headed eastbound when a westbound pickup truck, allegedly traveling at a high speed, lost control, crossed into the wrong lane, and caused a head-on collision.
The truck driver, a 27-year-old male from Canton, was hospitalized and is currently under investigation for possible driving under the influence. No charges have yet been filed, but law enforcement confirmed that alcohol containers were found in the vehicle.
Weather conditions were clear at the time of the crash.
Devastation Across the Community
The news of the girls’ deaths spread quickly overnight, sparking an outpouring of grief from classmates, teammates, coaches, and members of the tight-knit East Texas youth sports community.
Coach Amanda Reeves, who has led the Flames for six years, struggled to hold back tears during a somber press conference Friday morning:
“Maddie and Riley weren’t just players—they were our heart. They brought life to every game, every practice, and every bus ride. This team is family, and right now our family is broken.”
The East Texas Flames, a top-tier U16 travel softball team that competes in tournaments across the South, had been preparing for a regional championship in Houston next week. The team has since withdrawn from the tournament.
Remembering Madison “Maddie” Ellis
Maddie Ellis, a freshman at Longview High School, was described by teachers and friends as a bright spirit with a fierce competitive streak and a heart full of kindness. She played centerfield for the Flames and had dreams of playing Division I softball.
Her mother, Jennifer Ellis, spoke briefly through tears:
“Maddie lived with her glove in her hand and dirt on her knees. She loved the game, but more than that, she loved her teammates. She was our joy, our sunshine.”
Friends gathered outside Longview High on Friday morning, decorating her locker with flowers, photos, and handwritten messages.
Remembering Riley Parker
Riley Parker, a junior at Jacksonville High School, played shortstop and was known for her leadership and calm under pressure. She had already been scouted by several college programs and was considered a natural leader on and off the field.
Her older brother, Tanner Parker, said:
“Riley was fearless—on the field and in life. She lit up every room she walked into. She was a role model to so many girls in East Texas.”
At Jacksonville High, students held a moment of silence during morning announcements, and grief counselors were made available throughout the day.
Injured Teammates Recovering
Three other teammates—ages 14 to 16—were also in the SUV and are currently recovering at UT Health East Texas in Tyler. Two have been treated and released with minor injuries, while one remains hospitalized with a fractured leg and is expected to recover.
Their names have not been released at the request of the families, but Coach Reeves confirmed that they are receiving emotional and medical support.
Outpouring of Support
Condolences and tributes have flooded social media under the hashtag #FlamesForever, with thousands of posts from athletes, coaches, and softball teams across the country. Rival travel teams have offered to wear black armbands and dedicate games in honor of Maddie and Riley.
The Texas Amateur Softball Association (TASA) issued a statement:
“We are devastated by the loss of two promising young athletes whose passion, discipline, and spirit represented the best of our sport. Our hearts go out to their families, teammates, and coaches.”
In Tyler, a candlelight vigil has been scheduled for Saturday evening at Lindsey Park, where the team often practiced. Attendees are encouraged to wear navy and red—the Flames’ team colors.
Scholarship Fund Established
To honor the legacy of the two girls, the Flames organization has announced the creation of the Ellis-Parker Memorial Scholarship, which will support young female athletes pursuing softball in East Texas.
Within hours of launching the GoFundMe campaign, over $25,000 was raised, with messages pouring in from all corners of the country.
“We wanted to turn grief into growth,” said Coach Reeves. “These girls had big dreams, and through this fund, they can still inspire and empower others.”
Safety and Sobriety Advocacy
In the wake of the crash, several local leaders and parents are calling for renewed focus on road safety, sobriety awareness, and better lighting and patrol along rural East Texas highways, where many of the region’s young athletes travel for games and tournaments.
Terry Long, a parent and board member of the East Texas Youth Sports Alliance, said:
“This should never have happened. If alcohol was involved, then it wasn’t an accident—it was a choice. We can’t bring these girls back, but we can fight like hell to protect the next team on the road.”
A Community United in Grief
Though heartbroken, the East Texas community is showing extraordinary unity. Churches, schools, and local businesses have come together to support the affected families, providing meals, covering funeral expenses, and organizing support groups.
A large memorial display has been set up at Lindsey Park, featuring photos, jerseys, softball bats, and heartfelt notes from fans and teammates.
“We are shattered, but we are not alone,” said Jennifer Ellis. “The love this community has shown is what’s keeping us standing right now.”
Leave a Reply