West Texas Mourns Tragic Loss of Football Player

LEVELLAND, TX – The small community of Whitharral is mourning the loss of a 15-year-old student.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, on October 1, 2023, at around 3:30 p.m., Texas DPS was dispatched to the intersection of Hartford Rd. and Jamaica Rd. for the report of a major crash. Once on the scene, DPS discovered a pickup that had rolled into the barrow ditch. This location is approximately 12 miles northwest of Levelland.

The driver, identified as 15-year-old Tucker Parkinson of Levelland, was pronounced dead at the scene. At the time of the crash, he was not wearing his seatbelt.

DPS confirmed that Parkinson was driving north on Hartford when he veered left off the roadway and into the ditch on the west side. He overcorrected to the right, causing the truck to travel across the road and into the opposite ditch, then rollover.

Parkinson was a student athlete and avid livestock competitor at Whitharral High School, a small unincorporated community in Hockley County. The school issued a message to parents telling them that they will provide help to any student dealing with the death.

"It is with deep regret to inform you about the recent loss to our school community. This loss is sure to raise many emotions, questions, and concerns for our entire school. To help assist with this tragic news, counselors will be available to talk with students throughout the week starting Monday morning," stated Superintendent Ben Prowell. "We are saddened by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to help you and your child as you need."