6-Year-Old Boy Dies in Two-Vehicle Crash on His Way to School in Rio Grande City

A 6-year-old boy, Samuel Rafael Gamboa, tragically died Friday morning, January 17th, following a two-vehicle crash in Rio Grande City, Texas. The accident occurred at approximately 7:31 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. Highway 83 and FM 3167.

The Rio Grande City Police Department confirmed that three individuals were involved in the crash, including Gamboa, who was a passenger in one of the SUVs. Emergency responders transported the boy to Starr County Memorial Hospital in critical condition, where he later succumbed to his injuries. The other two passengers involved in the crash sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Gamboa, a kindergarten student at General Ricardo Sanchez Elementary, was remembered by the Rio Grande City Grulla Independent School District. The district released a statement expressing their sorrow: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Samuel Rafael Gamboa, a cherished kindergarten student in Ms. J. Rodriguez’s class. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss.”

In support of the grieving community, the district has offered counseling and resources to help students and staff cope with the loss.