Emergency crews were called to an SUV rollover crash one mile north of Ropesville along U.S. Highway 62/82 at 1:52 p.m. Officials said three people were killed in the crash.
At first, the Texas Department of Public Safety said three of the four people in the SUV were not wearing seat belts. Later, that information was updated to indicate two of them were not wearing seat belts, and it was “undetermined” if the third person used a seat belt.
Early Tuesday evening, DPS released names. DPS said Linda Rodriguez, 42, of Kress was the driver. Jade Villeda, 11, of Kress was a passenger as was Angel Rodriguez, 76, of Kress. All three were pronounced dead at the scene.
Francisca Rodriguez, 76, of Kress was taken by ambulance with life-threatening injuries to University Medical Center.
Traffic was detoured for a time but re-opened a little more than an hour after the crash.
Plainview Independent School District Superintendent D. Rockwell Kirk issued a statement to EverythingLubbock.com late Tuesday evening:
“We are heartbroken to learn of the death of Edgemere Elementary fifth grade student Jade Villeda, along with her mother and another family member. Our hearts go out to the family and friends of those lost so unexpectedly. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the entire school district, and myself, I would like to express our sincere condolences to all those suffering in the wake of this tragic accident.”
An official in the Food Services Department at Plainview ISD confirmed Wednesday to EverythingLubbock.com that Linda Rodriguez was an employee in the cafeteria at College Hill Elementary School.