A heartbreaking incident occurred outside a Texas preschool when a beloved teacher lost her life and several children were injured during a chaotic moment following a holiday performance. The tragic crash has left the community in mourning and raised concerns about safety during busy school pickup times.
The teacher, Alexia Rosales, just 22 years old, was tragically caught between two vehicles outside the Excelled Montessori Plus School. The incident happened around 4:15 p.m. as parents were picking up their little ones after a festive holiday show. According to the Bexar County Sheriff, Javier Salazar, a mother, while loading her children into her vehicle, suddenly accelerated, colliding with another car. This collision sent both vehicles crashing into a fence where Alexia and several students were playing.
In the chaos that ensued, Alexia was pinned beneath one of the vehicles for an extended period. Responders had to use hydraulic equipment to lift the car before they could reach her, but sadly, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Her mother, Berenice Rosales, expressed heartbreak over the loss, revealing that her daughter had been selflessly trying to protect the children at the time of the accident. “You can tell she was a teacher from the heart,” Berenice shared through tears, noting how much the students adored Alexia and how they always wanted to be near her.
The tragic event resulted in five children being rushed to nearby hospitals, each suffering various degrees of injury. Another teacher at the school, Alicia, was also injured, suffering a severe gash that required 12 stitches to her forehead. Alicia courageously assisted in helping some of the children to safety during the confusion, but she too ended up hospitalized.
Sheriff Salazar reported that there appeared to be no criminal intent behind the crash. Preliminary findings suggest that the driver may have had a medical condition that contributed to the alarming accident. Authorities clarified that there was no evidence to suggest intoxication or wrongdoing.
In the wake of this tragedy, the Excelled Montessori Plus School closed on the following Friday to allow its community to grieve the loss of Alexia, described as a bright light in the lives of everyone she encountered. “Her smile, laughter, and boundless love for the children made our school feel like a second home,” school officials remarked, emphasizing the profound impact she had on her students and colleagues.
To honor Alexia’s memory and support her family during this difficult time, the school community has launched a fundraising campaign through a GoFundMe page. Her family shared that Alexia was deeply passionate about her role as a teacher, willingly balancing her part-time job at the daycare while pursuing her education. She was on track to graduate next year, fulfilling her dream of making a difference in children’s lives.
Berenice reminisced about her daughter, saying, “She was an angel. She never gave me any problems. All she did was study and work … She was born to be a teacher.” The outpouring of love and support from the community reflects the significant role Alexia played not only in education but also as a nurturing figure for the children entrusted to her care.
As discussions about school safety and traffic regulations intensify, it is essential to remember the human stories behind the headlines. The loss of Alexia Rosales is not just a statistic but a poignant reminder of the lives we touch and the responsibilities we hold towards protecting our most vulnerable community members. It is a call to action for vigilant consideration of safety in our daily routines, particularly in school zones, where the lives and futures of our children are at stake.
In the midst of sorrow, communities can strengthen their commitment to safety and vigilance, ensuring that such a tragedy is never repeated. The memory of Alexia Rosales will remain alive through the love she spread and the lives she influenced during her all-too-brief time as a dedicated educator.
