An eight-year-old elementary school student died in Texas after getting their coat stuck in a car door as they got out to start the school day, said officials.
Serenity Campos was fatally wounded after being struck by the vehicle as she was being dropped off at the Gateway Elementary School in Borger in Hutchinson County at around 8 a.m. Friday, the Borger Police Department said.
“According to multiple witness accounts, Serenity exited a vehicle in the designated student drop-off area of the Gateway Elementary parking lot. Her coat became caught in the vehicle’s door without the driver’s knowledge. As the vehicle began to pull away, the motion caused Serenity to fall and be struck by the vehicle,” police said in a Monday statement.
Police said a senior school teacher attempted to intervene and rescue the child but it was too late as “the incident happened so quickly.”
School officials and first responders tried to save the child’s life at the scene before they were taken to Golden Plains Community Hospital to receive urgent medical treatment where she died from her injuries.
Two hours after the tragic incident, the Borger Independent School District advised parents to pick up their children at the Crockett side of the school and said staff would stay with them until they were collected.
Later that evening, the school advised that counseling services would be available to all affected by the incident.
Borger Police said in a statement: “Our hearts go out to all those affected by this horrible accident as they navigate this devastating loss.
“The entire community grieves alongside them. At this time, we ask for understanding, patience, and compassion for all those affected. Please join us in keeping the family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.”
A GoFundMe account for the youngster’s family has raised more than $76,000 as of Monday evening.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the tragic loss of Serenity Campos, a beautiful little girl who passed away unexpectedly this morning. Daniela and Daniel Campos, her loving parents, are now faced with the unimaginable grief of losing their daughter while also caring for their three other children,” it read.
Police shared that Walmart had donated 40 stuffed animals to be laid down at the memorial in front of the Gateway School.
The Independent contacted the Borger Police Department for further information.