Families struggle emotionally, financially with Cypress Lakes HS students deaths

KATY, TX (KTRK) -- Counselors were on hand at Cypress Lakes High School, and the campus observed a moment of silence for two classmates who died in a weekend crash.

Troy Carroll and Reon Woodman, both 17, died after the car they were in was involved in a wreck. According to the police report, the driver of the car the students were traveling in failed to yield when making a left turn at the 7500 block of North Eldridge Parkway, and the students' vehicle was struck by oncoming traffic. Police said some of the teens were not wearing seat belts.

Shernel Woodman, Reon's sister, said their parents are struggling with the loss both emotionally and financially.

"This weekend was hard and I think it's only going to get harder when they see him," she said.

Shernel said the family is going to the funeral home Monday to make preparations, but with the unexpected loss, they are hoping for donations to help with the burial. They set up a GoFundMe account.

"Reon was really, really sweet. He was very quiet," Shernel said. "He wanted to become a veterinarian."

She said he often cared for pets in the neighborhood. When one dog showed up Sunday looking for Reon, it was too much for the grieving family.

"Seeing him come to the house was really hard, because they would be in the backyard playing. Reon would feed him. So, it was tough."

ABC13 has not been able to reach the family of Troy Carroll but school officials confirmed they too are trying to raise money for funeral expenses with a GoFundMe account.

Cypress-Fairbanks ISD released the following statement on the boys' deaths.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of two Cypress Lakes High School students who were involved in an automobile accident. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of these students and those who were injured. Additional counselors will be on campus as long as necessary to provide support for students and staff dealing with this tragedy."