In a heartbreaking incident, Dalhart High School Principal Jason “Scot” Wright of Dalhart, Texas, lost his life in a head-on crash with a semi-truck.
The fatal accident occurred on Highway 87, situated between Dumas and Hartley, Texas at around 1 a.m. on January 24, 2024.
Wright, 54, was returning home from a basketball game in Tulia, Texas, when his vehicle swerved into the eastbound lane of oncoming traffic, resulting in the devastating accident.
The Texas Department of Public Safety reports that Wright was driving his 2023 Chevrolet Trailblazer westbound on US 87 when the crash happened. It has been suggested that poor visibility due to heavy fog on the highway could have played a role in the incident. Both Wright and the truck driver were using their seat belts during the collision.
Following the accident, Wright was transported to Moore County Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The semi-truck driver, however, escaped unscathed. Texas officials are currently investigating the precise cause of the collision.
Expressing grief over Wright’s untimely death, Jeff Byrd, the Superintendent of Dalhart Independent School District, praised Wright’s invaluable contributions to the school and the community, characterizing him as a symbol of kindness, resilience, insight, and empathy.
Wright, who had served as the Dalhart High School principal since 2018, was widely regarded as a committed educator and a motivator for both students and staff.
The loss of Wright adds to a series of recent tragedies faced by the Dalhart community, including the deaths of students and a fire chief.
In light of these recent events, Byrd stressed the resilience of the community and underscored the need to honor Wright’s positive impact during his leadership at the school.
Wright leaves behind his wife, Torri, who is a school nurse, and their two children. The school district plans to collaborate with students to honor Wright’s life and legacy. Wright’s memorial service was held at the Dalhart High School auditorium where community members gathered to pay tribute and celebrate his contributions.
The investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety into the exact circumstances leading up to the fatal crash continues.
