VIDOR, Texas — A Vidor Middle School student died at CHRISTUS Southeast Texas St. Elizabeth in Beaumont following a major accident near Pine Forest Wednesday evening.
The collision happened around 8 p.m. at the intersection of FM 105 and Lakeview Cutoff. The child, a man and a woman were taken to the hospital following the collision.
The child, fifth grade middle school student Kason Worsham, was pronounced dead shortly after 9 p.m.
Department of Public Safety spokesperson Sgt. Stephanie Davis told 12News a Kia passenger car was turning left from FM 105 onto Lakeview Cutoff near Turning Point Church, and pulled into the path of an oncoming Chevrolet pickup. The pickup slammed into the passenger-side door of the Kia.
Sgt. Davis said the investigation remains open and further information is not available as of 9 a.m. Thursday.
The driver of the Kia, identified as the child’s mother, Tabitha Butler, 39, of Vidor, is said to have non-life-threatning injuries. The driver of the Chevrolet, Ricky Brashier, 41, of Vidor, was taken to the hospital with serious injuries.
A spokeswoman for the Vidor Independent School District told 12News the 11-year-old was a fifth grader at Vidor Middle School.
"It is with a heavy heart that we have lost one of our 5th grade students in a car accident last night," Vidor Middle School principal Kerri Pierce said in a statement. "This morning, during 1st period, we informed all students at both grade levels."
Vidor Middle School has brought in counselors from other schools in Vidor ISD to help students deal with the loss, Pierce said. Classmates who need support can contact the school office.
This is the statement that Pierce read to the students:
"There was a tragic accident that occurred last night and sadly, our fellow 5th grade Vidor Middle School student, Kason Worsham has passed away. I know this is very difficult news to hear, especially if you were friends with Kason or had classes with him. Feeling upset is natural and it is important to be able to talk about your feelings. The school will have extra people on campus today to help you work through those emotions. I want all of you to know that we are all hurting and now is the time to come together as a campus and community so that we can get through this difficult time. If at anytime during the day you need to speak to a counselor or other staff member, please let your teacher know and you will be allowed to go to the office. At this time, I would ask for a moment of silence in honor of Kason."
All north and southbound lanes of FM 105 were closed for around 45 minutes while crews worked the accident.
