Counselors Arrive in Iraan to Help Grieving Students and Staff

BIG SPRING, TX — The Texas DPS released a preliminary report into the crash investigation involving an Iraan-Sheffield ISD school bus late Friday night, about one mile west of Big Spring on Interstate-20.

According to the report, Nijimbere Eliphase, 40, of Richardson was eastbound on I-20 driving a 2007 Freightliner tractor towing a semi-trailer in the outside lane when he observed a black passenger car slam on its brakes. Eliphase veered his semi to the right to avoid a collision.

During the maneuver, the semi went out of control and crossed the center median of the four-lane divided interstate and into the westbound lanes of I-20. DPS reported that the Freightliner struck the westbound bus, a 2015 Chevrolet van operated by the Iraan-Sheffield ISD.

Onboard the van were two adults, the teachers, and six female Iraan High School cheerleaders. DPS reported that all were transported to Big Spring’s Scenic Mountain Medical Center.

One of the adults in the cheerleaders’ van was killed. DPS identified her as Elizabeth Pope, 52, of Iraan. The driver was Christina Garlock, 48, also of Iraan, and, in other reports, she is listed as in critical condition. DPS gave no updates on the condition of the cheerleaders.

[[{"fid":"26031","view_mode":"preview","type":"media","attributes":{"alt":"Liz Pope, an Iraan-Sheffield ISD teacher and sponsor of the high school cheerleading squad. (Liz Pope Facebook)","title":"Liz Pope, an Iraan-Sheffield ISD teacher and sponsor of the high school cheerleading squad. (Liz Pope Facebook)","height":"675","width":"1200","class":"media-element file-preview imgbody"}}]]
Above: Liz Pope, an Iraan-Sheffield ISD teacher and sponsor of the high school cheerleading squad. (Liz Pope Facebook)

Likely because of the school van’s configuration, DPS reported that Pope was not wearing a seatbelt. The seatbelt status of the student cheerleaders was listed as “n/a” on the DPS report.

DPS reported that the roadway was wet and the speed limit on I-20 at the location of the crash was 75 mph. The 9-1-1 call for the crash occurred at 10:46 p.m., DPS reported.

Here is the first and original story as the news broke.

Update:

In a recent update, CBS 7 reported that bus driver Christina Garlock is now listed in serious but stable condition.

Cheerleaders Katie Kent and Kiara Hodge are both listed in stable condition. Lynda Martinez, the fourth person, has been released. 

Additionally, to help those affected in the bus crash, an account has been set up at the Brave National Bank.

The account information is listed as:

Pray for Iraan Benefit Fund - Fund 3230173
Brave National Bank
P.O. Box 577
Iraan, TX 79744
Fund#230173

LIVE! continues to send prayers to Iraan and the families and friends affected by this tragic event.

Update: Dec. 5

IRAAN, TEXAS- As students and staff return to class today, the school will not be the same. Following the tragedy of Friday night’s crash and Liz Pope’s death, counselors will be on hand today for grieving students and staff, CBS 7 reported.

Superintendent Kevin Allen confirmed that crisis counselors will have students divided into three groups. Counselors will disperse into each group.

The on-hand counselors will be a McCamey ISD district counselor and two principals. All of them are certified counselors.

CBS 7 said, “The school district, often considered one of Iraan’s rivals, is stepping up and stepping in to help everyone move through this tragedy.”

McCamey ISD superintendent, Ronnie Golson, wrote a letter to the community saying, "We have offered to assist Iraan-Sheffield ISD in any way that we can.”

CBS 7 also reported that counselors from Fort Stockton ISD have come to help as well.