A young mother and her five-year-old daughter lost their lives in a fatal crash in Archer County on Friday, leaving a close-knit North Texas community in mourning.
The Texas Department of Public Safety identified the victims as 42-year-old Sarah Kelley and her daughter Avery. The crash occurred on Highway 25 near the intersection of US 281. Authorities have not yet released details on the exact cause of the collision.
Bowie Independent School District confirmed that Avery was enrolled as a kindergarten student at one of its campuses. The district released a statement expressing grief over the tragedy and announced that counselors would be on hand Monday to help students and staff process the loss.
“A loss like this is difficult to understand especially for young children” the district said in its statement. School officials are encouraging the community to come together as they navigate the difficult days ahead.
Friends of the family described Sarah Kelley as a devoted and loving mother. Brittany Gallagher who knew Kelley personally said she was heartbroken by the news and remembered little Avery as an exceptionally bright and joyful child.
Gallagher described Avery as the cutest kid she had ever seen and said it was clear how deeply Sarah cherished her daughter. She called Sarah an amazing mom whose love for Avery was evident to everyone around them.
In honor of the two lives lost Bowie ISD has asked students staff and community members to wear pink throughout the week as a tribute. The gesture reflects the outpouring of support from those who knew the family and those touched by the heartbreaking news.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing as Texas DPS works to determine what led to the deadly collision on Friday afternoon.