School District Mourns Death of Elementary Student

KERMIT, TX – The death of an elementary school student near Kermit, TX has rocked the Wink-Loving Independent School District.

“It is with great sadness that we inform you the elementary student passed away,” a statement from the district reads.

The student, later identified as Hazel Thompson, was killed in an accident along State Highway 302. According to DPS, Hazel was killed in a multiple-vehicle crash.

The crash occurred after a truck-tractor traveling east on SH 302 approached traffic around 5:30 p.m.

The driver failed to control the speed of the 18-wheeler and struck a vehicle from behind. The crash caused a chain reaction that affected 6 vehicles.

The driver and passenger in one of the vehicles were injured.

Family and friends left balloons and flowers to remember the little girl along the highway and the school will have a moment of silence for Hazel and those affected by the tragic events.

One of Hazel's former teachers, Anna Folmar, is still in shock over the news.

“You just feel like it can’t be true. Something like that can’t happen to a little child you saw her,” said Folmar. “Very, very smart little girl loved people, love teachers love to please all the teachers always had a funny smile on her I can remember."

Funeral services for Hazel will be held on  Friday, February 12 at 1 p.m. at the Family Services Parlor in Kermit across the street from Kermit High School.