A 17-year-old junior at Rocksprings High School died late Sunday afternoon after being injured while helping move a large wooden telephone pole to the campus track and field area, authorities said.
David Samson Reyes suffered multiple injuries to the head area when the accident occurred, according to Edwards County Sheriff J.W. Guthrie. Several Rocksprings Independent School District staff members were present at the time, and no other injuries were reported, according to the sheriff's office, speaking to local news sources.
In the rural West Texas town of Rocksprings, located roughly two hours northwest of San Antonio, the death of the young man known widely by his middle name, Samson, sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community where many knew him.
"The things our first responders see are memories that they can never erase, and each call is always remembered, but this one is one that our first responders will always carry close to their hearts as they gave all they could," the department wrote Monday.
The district closed its campus the day after the accident as staff and students dealt with what occurred, according to Rocksprings ISD Superintendent Justin Del Bosque.
"I can confirm that our Rocksprings Community lost a student yesterday. The district is closed today as we mourn this loss. Counseling services are available and are being offered to provide grief support to students and staff," Del Bosque said in a statement to CBS affiliate KHOU in Houston.
Those who knew Reyes described a young man whose infectious grin and unwavering Christian faith defined him far more than any athletic stat or academic achievement.
Amy Rexroat, who taught Reyes from second grade through his current high school history and math courses, said his personality was unmistakable from the day he first walked into her classroom nine years ago.
Alfredo Enriquez, a teacher and football coach at Rocksprings High School who was also Reyes' cousin, said there was one word that captured who Samson was: service.
The Edwards County Sheriff's Office said it is continuing to collect statements from everyone who was on the field at the time and is working to locate any video evidence that may show what happened. The sheriff said criminal charges are not anticipated in connection with the death.
The Rocksprings Volunteer Fire Department urged the community to continue supporting the Reyes and Venegas families in the difficult days and years ahead.
"Our community is hurting for you and with you," the department said.