A Texas varsity athlete died in a “tragic accident” after he sustained serious head wounds while helping move a 30-foot telephone pole to the track and field area Sunday evening.
David Samson Reyes, a 17-year-old junior at Rocksprings High School, suffered multiple injuries “to the head area” in the tragedy, Edwards County Sheriff James Guthrie told KSAT.
The Rocksprings Independent School District confirmed that some of its staff members were on site at the time, according to a heartbreaking Facebook post announcing Samson’s death.
No other injuries were reported, though it’s not immediately clear what the students and staffers were doing on the pitch.
Samson’s death is still under investigation. Authorities told the outlet that they don’t plan on filing any criminal charges in connection with the accident.
The RISD was closed on Monday to provide time and space for the community to process Samson’s death.
The Rocksprings Edwards County Volunteer Fire Department, whose members responded to the “tragic accident,” shared a post mourning “the loss of a young man whose life was just beginning to soar.”
“This [call] is one that our first responders will always carry close to their hearts as they gave all they could but God was in charge and His plan was His plan and greater than our own understanding,” the department wrote.
“Please continue to pray for the families as they navigate this week and years to come. Our community is hurting for you and with you.”
Samson was an emerging leader on the Rocksprings High School’s varsity football team. He made the team his sophomore year and played offensive guard and defensive end. He shifted to play center in the 2025 season, according to his athletics profile.
He also competed in shot put and the discus throw on the school’s varsity track and field team this year, according to a separate sports bio.
Samson’s funeral will be held inside the Rocksprings High School Auditorium on Friday, the Rocksprings Record announced.