HENDERSON, TX — Henderson ISD Mourns Tragic Loss of Two Students in Fatal Car Accident
HENDERSON, TX — The Henderson Independent School District (HISD) is grappling with an unimaginable tragedy after two of its beloved students, Kyla Henderson and Aubree Edney, tragically lost their lives in a devastating car accident on the evening of July 28, 2025. The accident, which occurred just outside of Henderson on Highway 79, has left the local community in shock and mourning as it comes to terms with the loss of two young lives full of promise and potential.
The Tragic Incident: A Night of Heartbreak
The fatal crash took place late in the evening, around 9:30 p.m., when the vehicle driven by Kyla Henderson, a 17-year-old rising senior at Henderson High School, collided with another car traveling in the opposite direction. Aubree Edney, 16, a close friend of Kyla and a sophomore at the same school, was a passenger in the car at the time of the crash. The details surrounding the cause of the accident are still under investigation, but law enforcement officials believe that poor visibility due to a sudden downpour may have played a role in the collision.
The vehicle, a sedan, was traveling southbound on Highway 79 when it crossed into the oncoming lane and struck another car head-on. Both Kyla and Aubree were pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders. The other driver, a local man in his mid-30s, was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities have not indicated any foul play or reckless driving, but they are continuing to investigate the circumstances leading up to the crash.
Henderson Police Department, along with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), is working on reconstructing the scene and determining whether weather conditions, such as the rain and slick roads, contributed to the collision.
“We are deeply saddened by this loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families of the young women,” said Officer Jennifer Hayes of the Henderson Police Department. “We’re doing everything we can to gather information and understand what happened.”
Kyla Henderson and Aubree Edney: Young Lives Full of Promise
Kyla Henderson and Aubree Edney were more than just students at Henderson High School; they were two bright, talented, and loved young women who left a lasting impression on everyone they met. Kyla, a driven and hardworking student, was known for her leadership skills, academic excellence, and deep involvement in school activities. Aubree, her best friend and close companion, was equally well-liked, known for her warm heart, infectious smile, and passion for sports.
Kyla had big dreams for her future. A star athlete in soccer, she had already earned a scholarship offer to play at a local university. She was a member of the school’s National Honor Society, a leader in student government, and an advocate for various community service projects. Her teachers and classmates spoke highly of her dedication and her ability to balance academic achievement with her passion for sports and leadership.
“Kyla was the type of student who set the bar high for everyone around her,” said Mrs. Rebecca Harris, Kyla’s high school English teacher. “She was a natural leader, always helping others, whether it was tutoring classmates or organizing school events. She had so much potential, and we are all heartbroken that she was taken from us too soon.”
Aubree, a talented volleyball player and a gifted artist, was known for her caring nature and her ability to make others feel welcome and included. She had an innate ability to bring joy to any room, and her friends and family will remember her for her kindness and her unwavering support for her loved ones. Aubree was also an active member of the school’s volunteer programs, always eager to lend a helping hand wherever it was needed.
“She was the light in our group of friends,” said Lily Grant, one of Aubree’s close friends. “No matter how tough things got, Aubree always had a way of making us laugh and feel better. We are going to miss her more than words can say.”
Both Kyla and Aubree were known for their deep friendship with one another. They were inseparable, spending countless hours together both on and off the field. The bond they shared was evident to everyone around them, and their friendship was one of the most admired in the school.
“They were always together, always supporting each other,” said Coach Tommy Daniels, who coached both girls in soccer and volleyball. “Kyla and Aubree were a perfect match — both talented, hardworking, and dedicated to their teams and to their school. It’s a devastating loss for everyone who knew them.”
The Shock and Grief of the Henderson Community
The news of the tragic accident has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community of Henderson, a small town where the school district is a central part of daily life. Residents have expressed their disbelief and sorrow at the loss of two young lives with so much potential. Many are struggling to understand how such a tragedy could strike so suddenly, and the entire district has come together in a show of support for the families involved.
“We are in shock,” said Tanya Wells, a mother of two children who attend Henderson High School. “Kyla and Aubree were both such bright, loving young women. I’ve known their families for years, and this has been just heartbreaking for everyone in town. Our entire community is grieving with them.”
In response to the tragedy, Henderson ISD has activated its crisis response team, providing counseling and support services for students, staff, and the families of Kyla and Aubree. The district has also set up a memorial fund to assist the families with funeral expenses and other needs during this difficult time.
“Our thoughts are with the families of Kyla Henderson and Aubree Edney,” said Dr. Thomas Martin, superintendent of Henderson ISD. “These two young women were an integral part of our school community, and their loss is felt deeply by all of us. We are doing everything we can to support their families and to help our students and staff cope with this tragedy.”
A vigil for the two students is scheduled for the evening of July 30, where the community will gather to honor Kyla and Aubree’s memory. Local churches, schools, and businesses have all pledged their support, with many offering prayers, flowers, and donations to the families in need.
“We’ll never forget them,” said Amy Parks, a teacher at Henderson High School. “They left an indelible mark on all of us, and we’ll carry their memory in our hearts forever.”
The Investigation and Road Safety Concerns
As investigators continue to look into the circumstances of the crash, the focus has turned to the road conditions at the time of the accident. Preliminary reports suggest that heavy rainfall and wet roads may have played a role in the collision, but the official investigation is still ongoing.
“I’ve traveled that stretch of Highway 79 many times, and it can get slick when it rains,” said Doug Bryant, a local driver. “It’s a busy road, especially in the evening, and the visibility can be poor. I just hope this can bring attention to the need for better safety measures on that stretch of highway.”
Local officials have expressed their commitment to reviewing the area and exploring ways to improve safety for drivers, including better signage, lighting, and potential traffic modifications. However, many community members have stressed the need for greater awareness of road safety, particularly during inclement weather.
“We need to take a hard look at our roads and what we can do to make them safer for everyone,” said Mayor Sarah Green. “Our hearts are broken for these families, and we must do whatever we can to prevent something like this from happening again.”
A Community United in Grief and Support
As the days pass, the town of Henderson continues to mourn the loss of two young lives taken too soon. Kyla Henderson and Aubree Edney are remembered not only for their accomplishments and their vibrant personalities but also for the love they gave to their families, friends, and school community. In the face of such a devastating loss, the people of Henderson are coming together, united in grief, support, and remembrance.
In a place where everyone knows one another, where the bonds of community run deep, this tragedy has affected everyone — from teachers and classmates to friends, family, and neighbors. But as the community mourns, it also finds strength in one another, supporting the grieving families and ensuring that the memory of Kyla and Aubree will never fade.
As their families cope with the heartbreak, the people of Henderson stand together in honoring the legacy of two bright young women whose futures were tragically cut short.
“Our town has lost two bright stars,” said Tanya Wells, a resident of Henderson. “But we’ll never forget Kyla and Aubree. They will always be a part of us.”
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