Girl, 16, killed in horror crash after car she was driving veered off road and slammed into her home city's welcome sign

A Texas teenager was killed in a horrific crash after her car veered off the road and slammed into the city’s welcome sign, bursting into flames on impact. 

Ava Wetzel, 16, was behind the wheel of a 2015 Lexus RX 350 early Sunday morning when the vehicle suddenly swerved off the roadway, struck a 'City of La Vernia' sign and violently rolled over, according to KSAT and KENS News. 

She was pronounced dead at the scene, just one day before she was set to begin her junior year at La Vernia High School. 

The brick sign, now left wrecked, has since become a growing memorial spot covered with flowers, framed photos and heartfelt notes from classmates and community members. 

'It makes me happy to know how much people loved her,' Wetzel’s best friend and 'confidante,' Madi Symanski, told KSAT News. 

Symanski said the pair bonded after both arrived at the school as newcomers and formed an immediate friendship. 

'I just came back from homeschool, and she was the only person ever there for me. We were in it together because she was brand new to the school and I was basically new,' she told the outlet.

'She was the most understanding, welcoming person I’ve ever met. She had a good heart.'

Renee Cliburn, another mourner who came to pay her respects, told KENS 5 News: 'It hits home when you live in the area.'

'When I was going out to Stockdale I passed by it and I said I’m going to stop by and pay my respects,' she said. 'I don’t know her but I can’t imagine the tragedy her family feels. At that age, that young age.'

The devastating accident unfolded just before 4am in the 1200 block of US Highway 87 near Chihuahua Street, according to the La Vernia Police Department. 

Authorities arrived to find the Lexus overturned on its side, with flames pouring out of the wreckage. Wetzel, the vehicle’s only occupant, was found dead inside.

Police said Wetzel was traveling northbound on Highway 87 when, for an unknown reason, she left the roadway and entered a grassy area before striking a brick-and-mortar city sign. 

The circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation. The Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the investigation.

Just hours after news of her death rippled through the community, dozens gathered at the crash site to grieve together and reflect on Wetzel’s life. 

Teenagers who were meant to start a new year of high school the following day arrived carrying flowers and photos of their beloved classmate. 

Jessica Humphries, Wetzel’s aunt, shared that her niece had been living with her in La Vernia after moving from the Corpus Christi area in search of a 'fresh start,' according to KSAT. 

'She loved hanging out with friends. She was the life of any party,' Humphries told the outlet. 'She loved her brothers to pieces, and loved her mom and her family.' 

In a heartbreaking Facebook post, Wetzel’s mother, Raquel Humphries, shared a photo of herself with her daughter alongside the caption: 'I love you & miss you terribly, my sweet Ava Potayta! My baby girl.'

Her father, Andy Green, also shared a series of images on Facebook, writing: 'We lost a daughter today and our tribe is hurting in a very ugly way! Please lift us up in prayers and thoughts because we need it bad!!!'

Amid an outpouring of condolences, Wetzel’s mother thanked supporters for their prayers and kind words, adding: 'The pain I’m feeling is unimaginable.'

'This is all I can manage to write at the moment. But your kind words and prayers haven’t gone unnoticed,' she added. 'I am truly grateful for everyone.'

A GoFundMe page has also been launched to help support Wetzel’s family with funeral expenses and a celebration of her life, aiming to 'honor Ava’s memory in a way that reflects the love, joy, and vibrant spirit she brought to so many.'

'Ava was a spitfire - full of energy, spirit, and a zest for life that made every moment brighter,' the description read.

'She was very much loved by her family, and her loss has left an unimaginable void in Raquel’s family and community,' it added.

'Covering these costs will allow them to focus on healing and remembering Ava, rather than worrying about financial burdens.'

As of Wednesday afternoon, the fundraiser had raised $11,104 toward its $16,000 goal.

Wetzel’s father reposted the link on his Facebook page alongside the caption: 'We appreciate everyone’s caring words and actions.'

'Ava will forever be missed in this household and we just want to take a moment to say thank yall for the continued support during this difficult time,' he added.

The La Vernia Independent School District shared a statement on Tuesday following the loss of one of its students, telling People: 'Our thoughts continue to be with everyone affected by Sunday’s tragic loss.'

'As our students returned for the first day of school, our campus teams were prepared to provide a safe, caring and supportive environment while meeting the emotional needs of our students and staff,' it added.

The district said that since the fatal incident, it has remained in communication with the family and taken steps to 'ensure support for those who may need it,' including making counseling resources available within the district and neighboring districts. 

It added that 'a tragedy such as this reminds us all how precious life is and the importance of supporting one another during difficult times.'

'Out of respect for the privacy of the family involved, we will not be providing additional details at this time,' district officials said. 'We appreciate your understanding.'

Wetzel, who enjoyed playing soccer and riding around on golf carts, would have turned 17 in September.