A San Antonio, Texas teacher died after a “tragic” crash that downed a fence and hit several pre-school-aged children, law enforcement said.
The crash occurred around 4 p.m. on Thursday as parents were picking up their children from Excelled Montessori Plus after a holiday performance, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said during a news conference. As the children were being picked up, an unidentified parent loaded her children in her vehicle, and then accelerated into the building and another car, the sheriff said.
When the parent struck the other car, both vehicles ended up hitting a fence where several children were playing on the other side, according to Salazar. The now-deceased teacher was with the children playing when the crash occurred, and she got pinned under one of the vehicles “for some time,” the sheriff said.
Firefighters were able to get her from under the vehicle using a hydraulic lift, but she died on the scene, Salazar said. At least five children were taken to a hospital for medical treatment for various injuries ranging from grave to precautionary, but all of them are alive, according to the sheriff.
The parent involved in the crash does have a past medical history that may have contributed to the incident, so investigators have ruled out intoxication as a factor, according to Salazar. He said he did not know if there would be any criminal charges filed against her. The sheriff also did not know the exact condition of the other driver, but from his understanding, she was OK.
‘We lost someone truly special’
Excelled Montessori Plus identified the deceased teacher on Friday in a Facebook post as 22-year-old Alexia Rosales.
“Yesterday, we lost someone truly special. Alexia Rosales, a beloved teacher at Excelled Montessori, passed away in a tragic accident,” the post reads. “Alexia wasn’t just a teacher—she was a bright light in all our lives. Her smile, laughter, and boundless love for the children and everyone around her made our school feel like a second home.”
“Her impact on our community is immeasurable, and her absence leaves a hole in our hearts. As we grieve, we want to come together to support her family in this incredibly difficult time.”
GoFundMe created for Alexia Rosales
In Excelled Montessori Plus’ Facebook post, the school said it created a GoFundMe for Rosales “to help with funeral costs and other expenses.”
“Any contribution would mean the world if you’d like to honor Alexia’s memory and support her loved ones,” the post reads. “Let’s come together as the community Alexia loved so much. Thank you for your kindness and prayers.”
As of Friday, more than $20,000 has been raised, which is over $10,000 more than the GoFundMe’s goal of $10,000.
“Alexia wasn’t just a teacher—she was family,” according to the GoFundMe. “Her smile lit up every room, and her laughter brought so much joy to our days. She had a special way of connecting with everyone—making you feel seen, heard, and valued. Watching her with the kids was something truly special. She loved each child as if they were her own, pouring her heart into every moment.”
“We’re heartbroken. Losing Alexia feels like losing a part of ourselves. Her warmth, kindness, and energy will always stay with us, but the void she leaves behind is immense.”
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Teacher killed in ‘tragic’ crash at San Antonio, Texas school
