Local News
38-Year-Old Paul DeVito Killed in Fatal Crash on US-23 in Whiteford Township After SUV Strikes Semi-Trailer
WHITEFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A 38-year-old Florida man was killed Monday afternoon after his SUV crashed into the rear of a tractor-trailer on northbound U.S. 23 in Whiteford Township, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
The victim has been identified as Paul M. DeVito, 38, of Plantation, Florida.
Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough said deputies responded to the crash at approximately 1:19 p.m. on Monday, June 29, 2026, on northbound U.S. 23, just north of the U.S. 223 interchange in Whiteford Township.
According to the preliminary investigation, DeVito was driving a white 2021 Toyota RAV4 northbound in the right lane when, for reasons that remain under investigation, the SUV struck the rear of a trailer being pulled by a white 2024 Volvo semi-tractor.
The semi-truck was being operated by Herney D. Pena-Fajardo, 43, of Lenox, Massachusetts.
Investigators said the force of the collision caused the Toyota RAV4 to rotate counterclockwise several times, ejecting DeVito from the vehicle.
Both DeVito and the heavily damaged SUV came to rest in the east-side ditch along U.S. 23.
The tractor-trailer remained under control, and Pena-Fajardo safely brought the vehicle to a stop in the right travel lane.
Authorities noted that traffic in both northbound lanes was already heavily congested due to a lane closure located north of the crash scene at the time of the collision.
Emergency responders arrived and pronounced Paul M. DeVito dead at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash.
The driver of the semi-truck, Herney D. Pena-Fajardo, was not injured and was released from the scene.
Investigators reported that both drivers were wearing their seat belts at the time of the collision.
The Toyota RAV4’s airbags deployed during the crash, while the driver’s airbag in the Volvo tractor did not deploy.
Authorities also confirmed that alcohol is not believed to have been a contributing factor in the fatal crash.
Numerous emergency response agencies assisted at the scene, including:
Summerfield Township Fire Department
Whiteford Township Fire Department
Monroe Community Ambulance
Michigan State Police Motor Carrier Division
Michigan Department of Transportation
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Victim Services Unit
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain Program
Responders worked to provide emergency assistance, manage traffic, and investigate the fatal collision.
The crash remains under investigation by Lieutenant Brian Quinn and Deputy Sheriffs Cody Carena and Alec Preadmore of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Services Division.
Anyone with information related to the collision is asked to contact the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Services Division at 734-240-7541.
Investigators continue working to determine what caused the Toyota RAV4 to collide with the rear of the tractor-trailer.
Local News
Jasmine Henson and her four children died following a devastating residential fire near Canton in Van Zandt County, Texas
CANTON, Texas — Jasmine Henson and her four children have reportedly died following a devastating residential fire near Canton in Van Zandt County, Texas.
The children were trapped inside the burning home early Wednesday morning, October 21, 2026, and a fourth child who was rescued alive later died at a hospital, according to Van Zandt County Fire Marshal Kevin Palmer.
Henson was also hospitalized after the fire and reportedly later died.
The tragedy has devastated the family and shaken the surrounding community, with neighbors, school officials and local residents mourning the loss of the children and expressing support for surviving relatives.
According to the Van Zandt County Fire Marshal’s Office, multiple fire departments responded at approximately 12:30 a.m. Wednesday to a reported structure fire near County Road 4127 and County Road 4128.
Three occupants reportedly managed to escape the burning structure, but four children remained trapped inside.
The fire was so intense that firefighters reportedly had to breach an exterior wall to enter the home. Once inside, crews found the children, but three had already died from their injuries.
The children were described as a 3-year-old girl, a 5-year-old boy and an 8-year-old boy.
A fourth child, a 10-year-old boy, was found alive and airlifted to Parkland Hospital in Dallas for emergency treatment. Despite medical efforts, the child later died, Fire Marshal Kevin Palmer confirmed, bringing the number of child fatalities to four.
The children’s mother, Jasmine Henson, was also transported by medical helicopter to Parkland Hospital after the fire.
According to the supplied account, a family member said Henson suffered extensive burns and was placed on life support. The later update states that she subsequently died, although an official confirmation of her death and the timing of that update should be verified before publication.
The initial reports also indicated that two other occupants were taken to a hospital as a precaution. Their identities and current medical conditions have not been fully detailed in the information provided.
The reported deaths of Henson and all four children have turned the incident into an especially devastating loss for the family and the Canton community.
The Van Zandt County Peace Officer’s Association reportedly identified the family as the Hensons. The children’s grandfather reportedly serves with the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office.
Neighbors described being awakened by screams and the smell of smoke as the fire unfolded. One neighbor, speaking to CBS19, recalled seeing the children riding their bicycles outside regularly and described them as sweet, well-liked youngsters who had become familiar faces in the neighborhood.
Those memories have added to the heartbreak felt by residents as they come to terms with the loss of four young children and their mother.
Canton Independent School District issued a statement expressing profound sadness over the deaths of students connected to Canton Elementary and Canton Intermediate Schools.
The district extended its condolences to the Henson family, friends, classmates, teachers and everyone affected by the tragedy.
Canton ISD also announced that counselors and support staff would be available on campus in the coming days to help students and employees cope with the loss.
School officials emphasized the importance of compassion, kindness and community support during the difficult period.
A prayer vigil was reportedly held Wednesday at the Van Zandt County Courthouse in Canton, allowing community members to gather, pray and remember those affected by the fire.
The cause of the blaze has not been publicly released. The Van Zandt County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the incident, and officials may provide additional details as the investigation continues.
As the community mourns, attention remains focused on the surviving occupants, the grieving family and the firefighters who entered the burning structure in an effort to save the children.
The deaths of Jasmine Henson and her four children represent an unimaginable loss. Residents are being encouraged to support those affected and keep the family, survivors and first responders in their thoughts as investigators work to determine what caused the fire.
