MATAGORDA COUNTY, Texas — A close-knit Matagorda County community is dealing with the loss of three residents who died on Monday.
With a prayer vigil at the Matagorda County Courthouse, people from Van Vleck and neighboring communities came together to honor Van Vleck High School student Haleigh Matchett, 17, recent graduate Kylie Folmar, 19, and school maintenance worker DeAndre Barnes.
At the gathering, many were wearing red in honor of Matchett.
“To see everyone here, it’s just so moving and touching,” her grandmother, Susie Matchett, said. “She [Haleigh] didn’t know a stranger. She knew everybody. It just warms my heart to know how much people loved her.”
Matchett was killed early Monday in a car accident on State Highway 35 in Van Vleck. Folmar also died in the crash. A Texas DPS official confirms they were both passengers in a BMW that hit another car.
The BMW ultimately hit a power pole and caught fire. The car’s driver was later found in a hospital in Lake Jackson, according to Texas DPS. KHOU 11 has not identified the driver because the crash is still under investigation and no charges have been filed.
On Tuesday, Folmar’s mother, Nicole, said she was grateful for the community’s support.
“The outpouring of love and prayers, it’s amazing," she said. "It won’t bring her back but it will bring us comfort."
The family of DeAndre Barnes confirms the Van Vleck ISD employee died on Monday following a private health battle. Barnes' family explained that he served nearly 30 years with the district and was heavily involved with Van Vleck's youth sports programs as well.
Van Vleck ISD Superintendent Christie Dement told KHOU 11 that counselors, school psychologists and first responders were on campus Tuesday as students returned to class.
“Everyone is very close-knit and bonded together today," Dement said. "The top priority is to make sure the kids are okay and the staff. We’re standing by these families to make sure they know we care."
Community members have been encouraged to wear orange on Wednesday to honor Barnes and pink on Thursday to honor Folmar. A growing memorial now sits along SH 35 where Matchett and Folmar lost their lives.