EL MATON, Texas – A senior at Tidehaven High School died Friday after being found to be in “medical distress,” authorities said.
Lt. James Orr, of the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office, said deputies were called to the school at 7:52 a.m.
Orr said 18-year-old student Micah Martinez was taken to Matagorda Regional Medical Center in Bay City, where he was pronounced dead at 9 a.m.
Martinez had recently been accepted at the University of Houston and had plans to attend in the fall.
"He did, was going to be a part of the drama team there and just excited about attending," Bobby Williams, a family friend and pastor, said.
When asked how he felt about Martinez's death, Williams said he was shocked.
"Shocked you know. Questions why. Why something like this would happen," Williams said. "(He was) one of those kids that ... just one of those kids that was good at everything. Good at several instruments he played me, he sang, part of the drama team."
Following the devastating loss, those who knew Martinez best are now coming together to remember him.
"Thinking about the good memories that we have of him watching videos of him singing and laughing and just enjoying the time that we had with him," Williams said.
A statement from Tidehaven Independent School District Superintendent Andrew Seigrist called the death tragic.
The full statement follows:
“This morning there was a tragic incident at Tidehaven ISD and one of our student’s (sic) has passed away. Tidehaven ISD staff responded immediately and called emergency services who responded and transported the student to a local hospital. We are working with our students and staff today and will make counseling resources available to them as needed. Out of respect for the family, and due to privacy laws, we are unable to provide further details regarding the incident at this time. There is no reason to believe that there is a threat to our students or campus at this time. Please be assured that the health and safety of Tidehaven ISD students is our top priority.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and the Tidehaven ISD community.”
Orr said an autopsy has been ordered.