Overview
- Authorities found a 2015 Lexus rolled onto its side and on fire just before 4 a.m. Sunday on the 12000 block of U.S. Highway 87 near Chihuahua Street.
- Police say the vehicle left the roadway, entered a grassy area, struck the brick-and-mortar “City of La Vernia” sign and then rolled over with the sole occupant inside.
- The Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed Tuesday that the 16-year-old killed in the crash was Ava Wetzel, a La Vernia High School student who would have started her junior year.
- DPS is leading the investigation and officials have not released a determined cause, toxicology results, or reconstruction findings.
- La Vernia ISD opened counseling resources for students and staff, a memorial has formed at the sign, and investigators will likely complete scene reconstruction and autopsy work before releasing further conclusions.