Two students killed in car crash

CAMP COUNTY — A crash that happened on U.S. Highway 271 Sunday afternoon left two siblings dead, after a vehicle collided head-on with an 18-wheeler in Camp County, officials say. According to Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Adam Albritton, troopers responded to the two-vehicle crash just south of the Titus County line at approximately 2:32 p.m. According to our news partner KETK, preliminary investigation found that a white Nissan Altima, driven by 16-year-old Gavin Brooks of Mt. Pleasant, was traveling northbound on Hwy 271 when the Nissan crossed over into the southbound lane and collided with a semi-trailer.

Brooks and the passenger of the Nissan, 21-year-old Morgan Brooks were both pronounced deceased on the scene, DPS said. The driver of the semi-trailer was transported to a local hospital for their injuries.

Mount Pleasant ISD, where both Morgan and Gavin attended, released a statement on Monday following the tragic crash.

“Our hearts are broken at the loss of our students, Morgan Brooks, who graduated in 2023, and her brother Gavin Brooks-Thompson, a Class of 2027 senior,” the district said. “MPISD extends our deepest condolences to their family, friends, teachers, and classmates and the entire community of Mount Pleasant.”

Morgan played basketball and Gavin played several sports during their time at Mount Pleasant High School. Mount Pleasant Athletic Director and head football coach Joe Cluley says both left a lasting impression on those around them.

“Gavin was a kid that when he walks into a room, he had an infectious smile,” Cluley said. “It was like you couldn’t see him and not smile back at him, he was such a wonderful human being.”

“Morgan was leaving kind of right as I was getting here so I didn’t get to interact a ton with her but from everything I was told, great kid, great student, great athlete,” Cluley said.

Gavin was heading into his senior year and made an impact on the football field, the basketball court and the track. Coach Cluley said he had a way of bringing joy to everyone around him.

“People want to feel happy and they want to feel positivity and Gavin always brought that,” Cluley said.

As Gavin and Morgan’s memory lives on, Cluley hopes the community can come together and hold on to the lessons they left behind.

“The best thing we can do is love each other, there’s nothing stronger,” Cluley said. “Keep loving on each other and hugging on each other and continue supporting each other.”

No further information about the crash is available as the investigation remains ongoing, according to DPS.