Wise County community rallies around 12-year-old injured in crash that killed 2 older siblings

Wise County community rallies around 12-year-old injured in crash that killed 2 older siblings

A North Texas community is rallying behind a family who suffered a devastating loss. Three siblings were in a horrific car crash this past week in Wise County. Two did not survive, and the third is recovering in a hospital.

DECATUR, Texas - Ella Christensen, the 12-year-old victim of a recent fatal crash in Wise County, is expected to recover. Tragically, she'll have to learn how to navigate life without her two older siblings.  

The family's pastor at First Baptist Church in Decatur says the three siblings were heading to summer athletic training around 6:45 a.m. Monday morning when the crash happened. 

Teens Killed in Wise County Crash

Texas DPS says they were called to a crash involving a pickup truck that 16-year-old Sophia Christensen was driving, with her 13-year-old brother Nolan in the passenger seat and Ella in the back. 

The department says the Christensens' 1994 Ford F-150 pickup pulled out to cross Highway 380 from Private Road 4011 in front of a Freightliner trailer.  

The Freightliner hit the pickup, then jackknifed and overturned, ending up in the median of Highway 380 in Decatur. The pickup slid off the road onto the shoulder.

Christensen siblings roadside memorial

The unimaginable loss sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Decatur community. Sophia and Nolan were both athletes, and very involved at First Baptist Church.

Nolan died at the scene. Sofia later died at the hospital. Ella is still recovering in the hospital, but is expected to survive. 

The driver of the Freightliner trailer, 33-year-old Jose Feliz Rodriguez, was treated for minor injuries. 

What they're saying:

The family's pastor sat down with FOX 4 and shared how this tragedy has impacted the community, especially Sofia and Nolan's friends.

"What’s interesting is when this happened, all of those different circles of friends became like one," Lowrie said. "In this moment, it's like time stopped. And the kids began to deal with (the idea) that life is so fragile, and they need each other. And they need to genuinely care about each other, not get caught up with the petty things in life."

Sophia and Nolan Christensen

Lowrie said the parents hope the bright light their kids left behind continues to guide others, and their deep-rooted faith continues to inspire. 

"I think that’s really the message the parents want is to see the faith these kids had and to inspire others to trust God in a similar way," Lowrie said.

Community Gathers Around Family

An online fundraiser has already raised over $60,000 for the Christensen family. 

Lowrie says the support from the community means everything to the family right now. 

What's next:

Sophia and Nolan's funeral services will be held on Tuesday.

Lowrie said local restaurants have offered to bring food for a close group of friends and family at the church. He expects hundreds of people will attend the services.