A Texas student who worked overtime for his high school diploma never made it to the graduation ceremony, much to his family’s concern.
Omar Rodas, as well as his fellow classmates, were excited to graduate high school, as any other seniors would be, but he never made it to the ceremony. On the day of the big event, the 18-year-old was on his way to the NRG Stadium in Houston to graduate with his Klein Forest High School class at 9 a.m. Saturday, according the Houston Chronicle .
The Texas student never made it because he was killed in a car accident on his way to getting his high school diploma, which he had worked very hard for. When his name was called, Rodas didn’t walk up the stage like his classmates, to the concern of his family and friends.
Two hours earlier, the Honda Accord he was driving crashed on I-45, killing the young man. According to My Fox Houston, the Texas student was wearing his cap and gown on his way to the venue.
Police says Rodas was dead when they pulled his body out of his vehicle. Two other cars were involved in the crash, but the condition of the other occupants is not known at this time, the New York Daily News reports. Authorities are investigating the crash.
Initial reports indicate that the Texas student was driving southbound at 7:10 a.m. when he unexpectedly veered off his lane and hit a dump truck. Another vehicle veered in front of the dump truck and was hit.
Friends and family of Rodas are crushed, and even more so considering the Texas teen had been working overtime to up his grades and make his graduation. Friends say he was very excited to graduate.
“He wasn’t going to make it at first, but he did it. He was really excited that all his hard work had paid off,” friend Brandon Cortes said.
According to KHOU Houston, the school held a candlelight vigil to honor the late teen. Messages of support have been pouring on social media after classmates found out about the tragic accident.
A large crowd lights candles in memory of Omar Rodas. pic.twitter.com/LEH0kidPM5
— Kayla Ayres (@kayla_ayres) June 8, 2015
In addition to the candlelight vigil, a GoFundMe account has been established to help the family deal with the unexpected expenses.
[Image via Instagram / Gaby Flores]
