Neighbors are speaking out after a teenager died in a donut accident

ADKINS, Texas – Neighbors are speaking out after a teenager died in a donut accident in East Bexar County.

Henry Casas Jr., 14, was pronounced dead ejected from the truck driven by a 17-year-old who was displaying donuts in his yard and crashed.

Six boys were injured at the scene, and Casas died at the scene, according to law enforcement.

He was 17 years old charged with involuntary manslaughter and bodily harm to a child.

In the days after the accident, parents in the neighborhood and Casas’ parents reflected on the incident. During a phone conversation with Casas’ mother, she described who he was before the accident. She said he was a fun loving child who loved video games and hanging out with his sisters.

“I can’t sit here and say my kids or I personally didn’t do donuts on my property,” said neighbor Daphne Dodd.

“It hurts when you have kids who grew up with these kids. It’s painful to know that you have your own children who have actually done their own thing on the property, you know, with you right after you told them not to do something.”

Another neighbor said that even though it’s typical for some people in the area to make donuts, this result was far from normal.

“No, it’s strange; this happened for the first time,” said the woman, who wished to remain anonymous. “I feel sorry for the parents, poor parents.”

Dodd said she and other neighbors are working to make sure Casas’ life is remembered.

“Our kids have grown up together since elementary school,” Dodd said. “This is a terrible tragedy and all we can do and say right now is hold your families and your children.”

KSAT reached out to the East Central Independent School District, where Casas attended, to see if the district has a program aimed at student driving safety.

East Central ISD responded with the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened to announce that East High School student Henry Casas Jr., 14, tragically passed away this past weekend. Henry was a popular student known for his love of football and positive attitude.

This loss highlights the importance of safe driving, a message our student union promotes every year in our Drive Safe campaign. Additional counseling services are available on campus for students who need support. Our thoughts are with Henry’s family, friends and all who knew him.”