Galveston, Texas (KTRK) – A father said he lost his best friend after his 14-year-old son died in a car accident in Galveston over the weekend.
The community gathered Tuesday night for a vigil for Mason Nelson and three other students from Ball High School who were also in the car.
Reed Nelson returns to the intersection in front of Bull High School quite often, after losing his son.
“I’ve learned so much about this kid since Friday night,” Nelson said. “He was my best friend, but I had no idea how amazing he was.”
Those who knew Mason say he was fond of love and religion.
The 14-year-old was in a jeep with four others – an adult and three fellow Paul High School students – when they were hit by a white SUV, seen speeding on the street.
“This is a tragedy, and it is not over yet,” Nelson said. “Mason’s dear friends are fighting for their lives. Literally.”
The accident, which occurred on Friday night, led to the transfer of two people to hospital in critical condition.
Keith Brazier, 28, who police believe was drinking at the time, is charged with murder.
Brazier has three previous DWI convictions and had just been released from prison that morning.
“It’s very hard to see everyone going through this because no one should go through this kind of thing in high school,” said Caleya Fontenot, a high school student who also spoke at the vigil. “It is very sad.”
The Galveston School Principal says the pain should be turned into a goal.
“There are so many students getting hurt, there are so many community members getting hurt and the only thing we can do is love each other and hold on to each other during this time,” said Jerry Gibson, director of the Galveston ISD Institute.
He said this loss feels like he’s lost a child of his own.
“I look at these students as my children because I need to try to keep them safe, and I take that personally,” Gibson said.
Mason’s short time at Ball High School will make a lasting impact.
“I hope you all learn to love and treat each other the way he wanted to love and treat you all,” Nelson said.
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