Funeral services set for South Texas ISD student killed in crash

DONNA, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The South Texas Independent School District Science Academy announced funeral services for one of its students who died in a car accident earlier this week.

In a social media post, South Texas ISD announced its intention to respect and support Colin Feltis and his family during this difficult time.

Visitation services will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27, and 10 to 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at Palm Valley Church in Edinburg, located at 3300 S. McColl Road.

The school is asking those who attend the services to wear cubavera-style tropical shirts, or similar Hawaiian-style shirts, and esports-style gaming shirts are also welcome in Colin’s memory.

"Our hearts remain with the Feltis family and all who have been deeply impacted by this tragedy. Colin was a cherished member of the Science Academy community and will be remembered for his kind spirit, bright mind, and positive presence," the statement reads.

The district says students who attend Tuesday's service will be marked absent for any missed classes; however, staff will provide opportunities to make up any missed assignments.

There will also be counseling support available for students and staff for both the Science Academy and World Scholars.

Feltis was killed on Tuesday afternoon, around 5:30 p.m., on the expressway in a two-car collision involving a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado and a 2019 Chevrolet Cruze.

Donna police say both vehicles were heavily damaged and three teens, ranging in age between 15 and 16 years old, were involved in the crash.

The Texas Department of Public Safety and Donna police are still investigating the cause of the collision.

As part of the investigation, officials closed a portion of the expressway on Thursday.

The westbound lanes of the expressway, between the State Spur 433 (Main Street) exit and the on-ramp east of State Spur 433, were closed as DPS investigates the area, according to a news release.

On Oct. 22, South Texas ISD Superintendent Marco Antonio Lara Jr. put out a statement on its website stating the following:

It is with great sadness that I share that one of our Science Academy students, Colin Feltis, passed away yesterday evening after being involved in a serious car accident. Prior to his time at the Science Academy, Colin also attended World Scholars for a couple of years. 

Our hearts are with all family, friends and others who have been impacted by this tragedy. This is a great loss not only for Colin’s family, but for our entire South Texas ISD community. During this difficult time, it is of utmost importance that we come together as a district family to grieve and to support one another. In addition to our campus-based counseling staff at Science Academy and World Scholars, we have brought in additional counselors from across the district to support our students and staff members at both schools. 

Please keep the Feltis family, as well as our students and staff, in your thoughts during this difficult time.

This is an ongoing investigation