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NEED TO KNOW
- Texas teen Robert “Treb” McKinnon died in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crash on a county road in Decatur on Nov. 29
- “A gifted athlete and loyal friend, Treb had a way of making others laugh and feel welcomed,” according to his obituary
- Three other minors were involved in the accident, with two of them being taken to a hospital for their varying injuries
A small town in Texas is mourning the death of a middle school student.
Robert “Treb” McKinnon of Decatur died in an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) crash while riding with three of his friends on Nov. 29, according to local officials.
“McCarroll Middle School and our entire community is mourning the death of Treb McKinnon, one of our students, following a tragic accident,” the Decatur Independent School District wrote in a note to families and staff.
Acts 4 Others
“We ask that you keep the McKinnons close in your hearts and in your prayers,” the message continued. “Our school community is holding this family in love and support during an unimaginable time of grief.”
Wise County EMS Chief Randall Preuninger told local newspaper Wise County Messenger that the ATV accident happened on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend in the 300 block of County Road 3250 at 4:30 p.m. local time.
The ATV overturned during the crash, according to area outlet Fox 4.
McKinnon and two other minors were rushed to Medical City Decatur, where the 13-year-old boy died, per the Messenger.
“One of the critically injured juveniles … was later flown to Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth by PHI Air Medical,” the outlet reported. “The third had serious injuries and was treated in Decatur. The fourth juvenile had minor injuries and was not transported by ambulance from the scene.”
A fundraiser for the late teen’s family has surpassed $13,000 in donations as of Dec. 4, the day before his Dec. 5 funeral.
Hawkins Funeral Home
McKinnon’s online obituary sheds more light on his impact in the community.
“A gifted athlete and loyal friend, Treb had a way of making others laugh and feel welcomed. He dreamed of one day playing football for Ohio State and trained with the determination of someone far beyond his years,” the obituary reads. “He loved the Dallas Cowboys, Friday night lights and every chance to be on the field with teammates and friends.”
The obit adds, “Teachers recall a determined, respectful student who showed up ready to work hard and give his best.”