A devastating crash on U.S. Highway 380 east of Decatur in Wise County on Monday, June 16, claimed the lives of two teenagers. The victims were identified as 16-year-old Sofia Christensen, the driver, and her 13-year-old passenger, Nolan Christensen. A 12-year-old passenger, Ella Christensen, was hospitalized in critical condition.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the accident occurred at approximately 6:40 a.m. when a Ford F-150 pickup truck attempted to cross the highway from Private Road 4011. The pickup was struck by a Freightliner tractor-trailer towing a trailer. The impact resulted in the deaths of Sofia and Nolan Christensen.
Sofia Christensen was transported to Medical City Denton hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Nolan Christensen was declared dead at the scene. Ella Christensen, who was seated in the rear passenger seat, was taken to Cook’s Children Hospital in Fort Worth.
The driver of the Freightliner, a 33-year-old male, sustained minor injuries. The crash investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The Decatur school district released a statement expressing condolences to the family affected by the tragedy. Superintendent Taylor Williams wrote, “Our community has experienced unimaginable loss following a tragic vehicle accident early this morning.” The district offered support to students and staff through counseling services at the Decatur High School auditorium and other resources.
The crash scene was chaotic, with emergency responders working to extricate occupants from the pickup truck. Wise County EMS Chief Randall Preuninger described the incident, stating that the 18-wheeler T-boned the pickup, causing significant damage. A PHI Air Medical helicopter was dispatched to the scene but was not needed for transportation.
The community has been left to grapple with the loss, with First Baptist Church of Decatur’s Youth Center opening for support and counselors available at the Decatur High School auditorium.
