Chilton ISD Mourns the Loss of Graduating Senior
(Chilton, TX - May 13, 2020) The sudden death of a graduating senior has left Chilton ISD with one less student for their ceremonies in July.
“"It is with a tremendously heavy heart that we inform you of the tragic passing of Emilio Rueda, a class of 2020 graduating senior from Chilton High School,” said Superintendent Brandon Hubbard in a letter to the school community. “We encourage the Chilton community to surround the family with thoughts of love and prayers of comfort during this time of bereavement.”
Seeing that Chilton is such a close-knit community and had a graduation class this year of only 32 students, Rueda’s classmates have taken the news pretty hard as well.
““We ask that community members, parents, and teachers extend support to the graduating class of 2020 as they navigate this difficult time,” Hubbard continued.
Though classes are not being held on campus, the school district brought out a team of both counselors and pastors to assist students throughout the district with the unforeseen tragedy. Students will be allowed to “come and go” as needed on the afternoon of Thursday, May 14 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
“Please continue to pray for the Rueda family, the Class of 2020, and the entire Chilton community during this difficult time,” the letter reads.
The 18-year old was ejected from a vehicle on the morning of Tuesday, May 12 in Waco. Around 7:30 that morning, Waco Police responded to a call near Primrose on Robinson Dr (SH 77.)
Rueda and a male driver, unnamed, were travelling southbound in a GMC pickup truck and drifted off the road. The vehicle collided with a utility pole, ejecting the passenger.
Rueda was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver was taken to a local hospital to treat his non-life threatening injuries.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation by officials.
A visitation will be held on May 15 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Pecan Grove Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held in the Chilton High School Gynasium at 12 p.m.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chilton ISD is only allowed to occupy facilities at 25% capacity. Entry will be granted to immediate and extended family initially, members of the class of 2020, and then others as permitted by current capacity regulations.
Chilton ISD is taking donations in Emilio’s memory with plans to donate it to the Rueda family. For more information or to make a donation, reach out to Superintendent Brandon Hubbard at (254) 546-1227 or Secondary Principal, Jennifer Sharp, at (254) 546-1224.