Beaumont magnate mangles multiple cars on Dowlen

Beaumont business tycoon Walter “Loddie” Naymola is being investigated in the cause of the accident that damaged six vehicles June 22 – reportedly resulting in multiple injuries, but no deaths – at the intersection of Dowlen and Gladys, multiple sources confirmed to The Examiner.

Although the Beaumont Police Department (BPD) has yet to confirm the identity of the driver, multiple sources close to the matter say Naymola was driving the blue Dodge Ram that plowed through five cars and downed a power line, with witnesses saying the driver was traveling at a high rate of speed from Phelan and Dowlen to the intersection of Dowlen and Gladys.

“I continue to check with the Investigator for updates,” reported BPD Officer Carol Riley. “I was advised it will be awhile before charges are filed. They don’t have blood results or medical records for all parties involved.

“It’s a process.”

The Examiner has confirmed that the driver of the blue Dodge pickup that allegedly caused a multiple-car accident on Dowlen Road last Wednesday afternoon was driven by Beaumont native and billionaire Naymola.

Much speculation has been posted by multiple witnesses on social media, describing the condition of the driver and whether it was an alcohol or medical incident. Friday morning, June 24, The Examiner had confirmed that the driver of the Ram pickup was, in fact, in ICU at St. Elizabeth Hospital being treated for multiple injuries. According to sources at BPD on June 24, officers were waiting for the results of a blood warrant.

At Naymola’s alma mater in Texas, Stephen F. Austin State University administration recommended to the Board of Regents in January 2020 that they name the institution’s new basketball performance center after the notable Southeast Texan.

An SFA resolution about Naymola reads: “Walter E. ‘Loddie’ Naymola, Jr. has faithfully served and continues to serve Stephen F. Austin State University with distinction and honor as a dedicated alumnus; and … in his loyal dedication to SFA through his generous gifts of support, entrepreneurial spirit and standards of excellence, he is setting a distinguished example for others.”

Calls from The Examiner to Naymola’s businesses and foundation went unanswered June 24 and 28. Calls to the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office confirmed prosecutors plan to treat this case like any other and will file charges as
necessary.