Decatur ISD Mourns Loss of Seventh Grader Treb McKinnon After Tragic ATV Accident
The Decatur community is grappling with profound grief following the tragic death of Treb McKinnon, a seventh-grade student at McCarroll Middle School, who was killed in a side-by-side ATV accident Saturday afternoon. The crash, which occurred around 4:30 p.m. in the 300 block of County Road 3250, also left three other juveniles injured.
Decatur ISD shared the devastating news on Sunday, expressing deep sorrow and asking the community to surround the McKinnon family with love and prayer.
“We ask that you keep the McKinnons close in your hearts and in your prayers. Our school community is holding this family in love and support during an unimaginable time of grief,”
the district wrote in a statement.
Details of the Accident
According to Wise County EMS Chief Randall Preuninger, four juveniles were riding in the off-road side-by-side vehicle when it crashed. Emergency responders from Wise County EMS (Rescue 1, Squad 1, Medic 1 and Medic 5), the Decatur Fire Department, and the Wise County Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene.
McKinnon and two other juveniles were transported to Medical City Decatur. One of the critically injured juveniles was later flown to Cook Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth. The third suffered serious injuries and received treatment in Decatur. A fourth juvenile sustained minor injuries and did not require ambulance transport.
Community Support and Resources
In response to the tragedy, First Baptist Church in Decatur will open its doors from 4 p.m. on Nov. 30 for students, families, school staff, and community members seeking a place to gather, grieve, and support one another. The gathering will be held at 1200 Preskitt Road, Building 100, Decatur, TX 76234.
Decatur ISD also announced that counselors will be available at McCarroll Middle School beginning Monday, Dec. 1, to provide emotional support for students, families, and staff. Administrators will meet Monday afternoon to prepare additional resources and strategies to help the school community navigate the difficult days ahead.
Superintendent Taylor Williams and Principal Brandi Shisler emphasized the emotional impact the loss will have on students returning from Thanksgiving break:
“We know the return to classes on Monday morning will not be easy,” they said in a joint statement.
“We also know individuals may respond with a range of emotions following the death of a classmate and loved one. To help our families and staff support students and one another, we have provided several resources and recommendations.”
Families or individuals seeking additional support are encouraged to contact their school campus or reach out to Wise County Christian Counseling at 940-627-1618 or through its website.
Remembering Treb McKinnon
Treb is being remembered as a loving son, grandson, classmate, friend, and brother—a young life full of warmth, kindness, and potential. His loss has created a deep ache throughout the Decatur community, where he was cherished by peers, teachers, neighbors, and family.
As Decatur mourns, the community continues to rally around the McKinnon family, offering compassion, prayers, and steady support during this unimaginable tragedy.
May Treb McKinnon rest in peace, and may his family find comfort in the love surrounding them.
