Wildcat81
10-02-2004, 09:54 AM
CLEVELAND, Texas (AP) - Four students carpooling to Cleveland High School died Friday when their car collided with another car, killing a fifth person.
Advertisement
The accident happened on Texas Highway 105 about 7:30 a.m. as the students were apparently on their way to school, said Terry Myers, superintendent for the Cleveland Independent School District.
``It just appeared that the two vehicles collided almost head on,'' Myers said. ``It appeared to have been a very violent impact. The vehicles were obviously torn up very badly.''
The fifth victim was an adult in the other car, but it wasn't clear whether he was the only person in the car, Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Richard Vasser said.
Cleveland High School Principal Michael Ogden identified the students as Matthew Montomoyor, his younger sister Jennie, Russell Johnson and Gina Aldona. Ogden said Jennie Montomoyor was a sophomore, and her brother and the other two were seniors.
``They're all good kids,'' he said. ``They were ROTC students.''
He said no announcement was made of the wreck at the 805-student school, but word spread quickly.
Ogden said a memorial service would be held, but details had not been arranged.
The scene of the accident, about five miles west of Cleveland, was an intersection of a two-lane road. Off on the shoulder was a display of four crosses that appeared to be old roadside memorials.
Vasser said the cause of the accident was under investigation.
Counselors and pastors were called to the high school in Cleveland, about 45 miles northeast of Houston, Myers said.
``Obviously the mood is very somber here at our high school. We're just dealing with it like anybody would. There is shock, disbelief,'' he said.
School officials decided to hold classes Friday despite the accident.
``Hopefully that will help our children deal with this and keep their minds off the terrible tragedy that has happened,'' Myers said.
Ogden said safe driving is routinely emphasized to students when daily announcements are made.
Advertisement
The accident happened on Texas Highway 105 about 7:30 a.m. as the students were apparently on their way to school, said Terry Myers, superintendent for the Cleveland Independent School District.
``It just appeared that the two vehicles collided almost head on,'' Myers said. ``It appeared to have been a very violent impact. The vehicles were obviously torn up very badly.''
The fifth victim was an adult in the other car, but it wasn't clear whether he was the only person in the car, Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Richard Vasser said.
Cleveland High School Principal Michael Ogden identified the students as Matthew Montomoyor, his younger sister Jennie, Russell Johnson and Gina Aldona. Ogden said Jennie Montomoyor was a sophomore, and her brother and the other two were seniors.
``They're all good kids,'' he said. ``They were ROTC students.''
He said no announcement was made of the wreck at the 805-student school, but word spread quickly.
Ogden said a memorial service would be held, but details had not been arranged.
The scene of the accident, about five miles west of Cleveland, was an intersection of a two-lane road. Off on the shoulder was a display of four crosses that appeared to be old roadside memorials.
Vasser said the cause of the accident was under investigation.
Counselors and pastors were called to the high school in Cleveland, about 45 miles northeast of Houston, Myers said.
``Obviously the mood is very somber here at our high school. We're just dealing with it like anybody would. There is shock, disbelief,'' he said.
School officials decided to hold classes Friday despite the accident.
``Hopefully that will help our children deal with this and keep their minds off the terrible tragedy that has happened,'' Myers said.
Ogden said safe driving is routinely emphasized to students when daily announcements are made.