New Details Emerge from ‘Tragic Accident’ at School Drop-Off That Killed 2nd Grader

Mar. 15, 2025

New details have been released regarding the death of an 8-year-old Borger, Texas, student who was killed while being dropped off at school last week.

In a statement to PEOPLE on Monday, Jan. 27, Borger assistant city manager and public information officer Brandon Strope identified the victim asSerenity Campos. He referred to her Jan. 24 death as a “heartbreaking loss” to the community.

“According to multiple witness accounts, Serenity exited a vehicle in the designated student drop-off area of the Gateway Elementary parking lot,” Strope said.

The accident happened when “her coat became caught in the vehicle’s door without the driver’s knowledge.”

Gateway Elementary School is located about 50 miles northeast of Amarillo, Texas.

Serenity Campos.GoFundMe

GoFundMe

In a previous statement, Strope told PEOPLE that local authorities are considering the incident a “tragic accident.”

Since the child’s death, Strope says the community has been using the hashtag #LoveLikeSerenity to honor the 8-year-old, he said Monday.

Teddy bears were left at a memorial “reflecting the joy and innocence [Serenity] brought to those around her.”

Gateway Elementary School in Borger, Texas.Google Maps

Google Maps

“We extend our deepest condolences to Serenity’s family and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time,” he said, noting that counselors and support dogs remain present at Gateway Elementary School.

In aGoFundMein Serenity’s name, she was remembered as “a beautiful little girl.”

The fundraiser showed Serenity smiling as she ate a cupcake, dressed warmly while standing in the snow.

Memorial for Serenity Campos.Borger Police Department/Facebook

Borger Police Department/Facebook

She was also a child who “had a huge heart and loved BIG," herobituaryshares.

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“She was a caring and protective big sister and friend, or ‘little mom,’ who hated to see anybody crying or sad," her obituary adds. “Serenity was a friend to everyone, and claimed many people as ‘cousins,’ even if they weren’t actually related to her. She knew no stranger, and wanted to always be around her friends. Serenity had a contagious smile - and she was ALWAYS smiling!” loved ones said of the “passionate” little girl who “was planning to have her own YouTube channel.”

Serenity’s funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 3:00 p.m.

source: people.com