North Texas community mourns loss of mother and three children after fatal accident – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

The North Texas city of Chico is mourning the loss of a woman and her three young children.

The Texas Department of Public Safety said the family died in a fiery car crash in Wise County early Tuesday morning.

On Wednesday, the agency released the names of the three children: Skyla Price, 10; Gracie Mullins, 8; and Avery Mullins, 3. Her mother was 32-year-old Brandy Price.

One of Price’s friends, who did not want to go on camera, shared pictures of the family with NBC 5 and said Price was an “amazing person” and a mother who was always happy and optimistic.

Chico ISD had said two of the children attended their elementary school.

On Wednesday, a spokesman said grief counselors were still on campus to help teachers and students cope with the sudden loss.

State troopers said the family was traveling west on FM 1810 near County Road 1340 around 5:30 a.m. Tuesday.

They said Price tried to pass in a no-passing zone and collided head-on with a tractor-trailer.

According to investigators, the family’s SUV caught fire.

“I was outside taking my dog ​​when I looked up and saw smoke,” said Patti Hudgins, who lives near the crash site.

Hudgins came across the burning rubble.

“(I was) scared because that’s exactly where we live and just – I didn’t know what was going on. And if I could, I would have gone there, but I didn’t. And I feel bad about what happened,” she said.

Hudgins said she didn’t know the family, but her colleagues at a local supermarket said they remembered Price as a regular customer who was always friendly.

Price’s girlfriend said they are still shocked that she lost her bright light.