New Home ISD student killed in Kent County ATV crash
15-year-old from Tahoka was ejected and pinned under vehicle
KENT COUNTY, Texas (KCBD) - A 15-year-old male from Tahoka died Saturday afternoon after an ATV overturned on a Kent County road, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The crash happened at 12 p.m. on County Road 438, about a quarter-mile east of State Highway 70.
The preliminary investigation shows a 14-year-old female from New Home was driving a Polaris Ranger Crew ATV eastbound when she approached a curve in the roadway.
DPS says the driver was traveling too fast for the roadway conditions and overturned the vehicle.
The 15-year-old passenger was ejected and pinned underneath the ATV. The teen was transported to Fisher County Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 2:43 p.m.
Two other people in the ATV, the 14-year-old driver and a 7-year-old male passenger from New Home, were not injured.
None of the three people in the vehicle were wearing seatbelts.
New Home ISD released this statement on Sunday afternoon:
Dear New Home ISD Community,
It is with heavy hearts that we share the sad news of the loss of one of our own, Truett Mortensen, who passed away yesterday, January 3, 2026.
Truett exemplified what it meant to be a Leopard. He was kind, spirited, hard-working, and had a genuine love for life and for the people around him. Truett made our school, the New Home community, and this world a better place simply by being in it. He will be deeply missed by classmates, teachers, staff, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
As we return from winter break, we know this loss will be felt deeply across our district. Additional grief counselors will be on hand tomorrow as staff return to work, and on Tuesday as we welcome students back. On Tuesday, New Home ISD will operate on a normal bell schedule, though we acknowledge it will be anything but a normal day. For some, the consistency of routine will provide comfort; for others, additional support will be needed, and that support will be available.
When funeral arrangements are known, we will share that information and ensure that all New Home Leopard students and staff who wish to attend Truett’s Celebration of Life are able to do so.
Our hearts are with Truett’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Please continue to lift them, and one another, in your thoughts and prayers as we lean on our Leopard family and move forward together.
With deepest sympathy,
Julia Stephen, Superintendent New Home Independent School District
Copyright 2026 KCBD. All rights reserved.
