LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – A Texas Tech University student died Tuesday, days after she was struck from behind while stopped at a red light near campus.
22-year-old Jordyn Dabelstein was at a red light near Texas Tech Parkway and Indiana Ave. on Saturday when another driver hit her car from behind, her family said.
Witnesses told the family they never heard the other driver brake and that Dabelstein’s car was crumpled, according to family members. Dabelstein was taken to the hospital after the crash. Her family said she suffered an internal decapitation and died Tuesday.
“My niece died on Tuesday. My family is exhausted and all we would like to do is grieve her and we’re just getting stonewalled when it comes to any answers,” Sadie Williamson, Dabelstein’s aunt, said.
Williamson described her niece as fun and outgoing.
“She was very close to her family and her sisters were her best friends. She loved animals, in high school she was in the FFA. She was just a very nurturing person. She was the heart of that family,” Williamson said.
The Texas Tech Police Department is investigating the crash. The department said it cannot release all of the information the family is seeking because officers are trying to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
In a statement, Texas Tech Police said it and the university extend their deepest condolences and will continue to offer support to those affected.
Dabelstein’s extended family has set up a GoFundMe for her funeral expenses. Her aunt said all of the money raised will go to Dabelstein’s parents.
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