Las Cruces HS student dies after crash in Midland
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A Las Cruces High School student died over the weekend following a car crash while traveling to a club-sponsored volleyball tournament in Midland, Texas, according to Las Cruces Public Schools.
The district says Samantha Bursum, 14, died after a car crash on Friday night, March 1 and was in the ninth grade.
The crash happened just after 9:30 p.m. on I-20 East on mile post 73 in Ward County near Pecos, according to Texas DPS.
DPS says a 2008 Cadillac with no lights was disabled on the road way blocking both lanes of I-20 East due to a previous crash.
Loretta Keleher Wills, 50, was traveling in a 2016 Toyota SUV and Bursum was a passenger in the vehicle.
DPS says Wills could not see the Cadillac and struck the vehicle. Wills was transported with serious injuries and Bursum was pronounced dead at Ward Memorial Hospital.
The driver of the Cadillac, Isaac Mendoza, 25, was transported with serious injuries.
The district says Bursum played volleyball for Las Cruces High School and was also involved in student government, marching band and was enrolled in advanced placement coursework.
“Our hearts are with the Bursum family and the Bulldawg community,” said LCPS Superintendent Ignacio Ruiz. “Right now, we are focused on how to best support them in their grief. We are devastated by this loss, and send our love to Samantha’s family, including her older sister who was also one of our LCPS students.”
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