LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – O’Donnell ISD is giving its students support and space to grieve after a high school senior died in a crash over the weekend.
A wrong-way driver hit the car Ariel Santos, 17, was riding in head-on between Tahoka and Post Saturday night. The crash also injured both drivers and two other teen passengers.
Superintendent Blake Nichols said her classmates and teachers will miss Santos’ smile the most.
“Just a genuinely sweet kid. Always had a smile on her face. Light up the room when she walked in. Just a genuinely nice kid,” Nichols said.
A GoFundMe to support her family says she and three other girls were on their way home from the rodeo in Ralls when they were hit head-on.
Nichols said tragedies like this one hit everyone in a small town like O’Donnell.
“It’s a great place, small community, very tight-knit. If one of us is hurting, we’re all hurting. And that’s one thing I love about O’Donnell. They come together for anybody who needs it,” Nichols said.
He said teachers are always there for their kids but have been working hard the last few days to make sure they have the support they need to grieve. Counselors from the service center in Lubbock are also on campus to provide support.
“We just make sure you’re checking on all the kids, you know, and that happens almost daily anyway because we’re so small and it’s such a close-knit community school. Just checking on the kids. Be there for the kids. Ask them if they need anything. Do whatever you can to help them,” Nichols said.
This isn’t the first interview like this Nichols has been a part of. Another high school senior, Conlin Small, died in a crash in 2021.
“Don’t be afraid to tell people you love them. You never know,” Nichols said.
The GoFundMe for Santos’ family calls this a parent’s worst nightmare. While her parents grieve, Santos’ aunt is asking people to help support their family while they mourn. If people can’t donate, she asks them to pray for peace and comfort.
“Continue to pray for the families of those involved in our school and our community. Like I said, it’s tough, but just all the prayers and support, we feel them. Just continue, please,” Nichols said.
School has been canceled Friday so students can attend Santos’ funeral. It’s set for 10 a.m. Friday in the high school gym.
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