Decatur students Sophia Christensen and Nolan Christensen died in a car accident Monday, June 16. The siblings were both involved in their school and church, sharing an interest in cross country. CHANCI NICKS | FOR THE MESSENGER
The loss of two teenagers in Monday’s wreck, which left another child critically injured, has shaken the Decatur community.
Sophia Christensen, 16, and her brother, 13-year-old Nolan Christensen, were both killed in the crash. Their sibling, 12-year-old Ella Christensen, was hospitalized with critical injuries.
Sophia and Nolan were both active in school activities at Decatur ISD, including the cross country program.
David Park, who retired as cross country coach at the end of this past school year, described them both as “great kids.”
“They were both great athletes, but that was the least of their talent,” Park said. “They were very grounded in their faith, and that just showed. I mean, it was like a beacon. Just tremendous young people.”
While Nolan was in the middle school program, Sophia was going into her junior year in high school as a member of a cross country team that had competed at the state meet in 2023, finishing 10th as a team. Park said Sophia’s leadership qualities made it likely she would have been a captain her senior year.
This past spring, she was a 4A regional track finalist in the 1,600-meter race. She earned bronze medals in the event at the district and area meets.
In addition to the running sports, Sophia was also active in agriculture activities, particularly horse judging. Park relayed a story of how she would sometimes juggle both at once.
“We always had a deal about we don’t make excuses — 5:45 (a.m.), we’re working. But ag needed her, too. It was just like her to start the workout and she would go to that ag building, dripping wet from the workout. And then she would do [the ag activity], and then she’d come running back, ‘What did I miss?’ It was like, ‘Okay, I’m going to make this up,’” Park said.
Several teachers shared stories of the siblings on social media posts.
“Nolan was the kid who literally knew how to light up a room,” middle school teacher Kimberly Naumann posted on a Messenger Facebook post about the wreck. “Goofy as could be, but you could never get mad at him. He would ‘yes ma’am’ you to death and then show you that smile of his and you couldn’t help but laugh. He was everyone’s best friend and the kid who made sure no one was left out. If you knew him then your life was just a little more blessed than it was before.”
Students gathered at First Baptist Church of Decatur Monday night to pray and reflect on the lives of Sophia Christensen and Nolan Christensen. DECATUR ISD
Faith was a big part of both kids’ lives. Teachers recalled how Sophia would often be seen leading bible studies with fellow students.
They were also active in their youth group at First Baptist Church Decatur. On Monday night, fellow students gathered at the church to grieve, pray and reflect on the lives of Sophia and Nolan as they attempted to come to grips with the sudden loss.
The crash happened around 6:45 a.m. Monday on U.S. 380 at the intersection with Private Road 4011, a few miles east of Decatur.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, a 1994 Ford F-150 driven by Sophia pulled out to cross U.S. 380 from PR 4011 in front of a 2005 Freightliner rock truck driven by 33-year-old Jose Felix Rodriguez.
“The Freightliner struck the Ford pickup, jack-knifed, overturned, and came to rest in the center median of Highway 380,” Sgt. Chris Williamson with the Texas Department of Public Safety said in a news release. “The Ford pickup slid onto the grass off the south shoulder.”
Nolan, who was in the pickup truck’s front passenger seat, was pronounced dead at the scene. Sophia was taken by ground ambulance to Medical City Denton in critical condition, and later died from her injuries, according to the news release.
Ella was in the rear passenger seat of the pickup. She was taken to Cook Children’s Medical Center in Fort Worth.
Rodriguez was treated for minor injuries.
DPS noted that the investigation is ongoing.
A resident of Wagon Trails Estates near Decatur places a wreath in memory of Sophia and Nolan Christensen at a memorial at the entrance to the neighborhood. Monday’s crash took place nearby as the two teens and their younger sibling were leaving the private road to cross U.S. 380. AUSTIN JACKSON/WCMESSENGER
As word of the wreck and its young victims began circulating in the community Monday, Decatur ISD sent a letter to parents and staff saying their schools “experienced unimaginable loss following a tragic vehicle accident early this morning” and asked that the community “keep this family in your hearts and prayers.”
“Grief expresses itself in many ways. Although school is out for the summer, we know that this tragedy may raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school community — especially our students. Please be mindful of this and know that we will be available to support you and your family as these emotions are processed,” Superintendent Taylor Williams said in the letter.
Counselors were available Tuesday afternoon at the Decatur High School auditorium.
The loss hung heavy over Monday’s Decatur School Board meeting, which began with a prayer for those affected by the deadly crash.
“Tonight our hearts are heavy, they are broken, and in this place we lift up the family of the impacted students in this tragedy. We pray for the many friends, classmates, teachers and community members who are impacted,” board member Matt Joiner prayed before pausing for a moment of silence.
Administrators wiped away tears at times as they gave what are normally routine reports. Several agenda items were skipped or postponed to next month, and action items were quickly approved with no discussion.
Ten minutes after the open session portion of the meeting began at 6, board president Stan Shults brought the evening to a close.
“I know this is tough to get through tonight. If there’s nothing else, I’m going to move at 6:10 that we adjourn this meeting and allow everyone to do what they need to do,” he said.
For many in the community, that meant leaning on each other for support.
“This is one of those moments where it’s time for the community to lock arms and comfort each other and comfort the family,” Park said.
Services for Sophia and Nolan were pending at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur as of Wednesday morning.
How to help
Multiple fundraisers have been created to support the Christensen family, including an account at First Financial Bank in Decatur. Donations can also be made through Acts 4 Others and a GoFundMe campaign.
For additional grief support, Decatur ISD encouraged families and staff to contact their school campus or Wise County Christian Counseling at 940-627-1618 or visit wiseccc.org.
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