Pasadena Rayburn High School football player killed in crash

Latrone Williams, 18, was one of three teenagers in a truck that flipped over

PASADENA, Texas – A standout athlete for Pasadena ISD's Sam Rayburn High School died Wednesday night in a one-vehicle car accident.

According to police, Latrone Williams, 18, was one of three teenagers in a truck that flipped over Wednesday night on the 5400 block of Crenshaw Road in Pasadena.

Officials said Williams was a passenger and was not wearing a seatbelt. He was the only occupant who did not survive the wreck.

"They must have been traveling at a high rate of speed, hit a curb, and it flipped over into the field there," said Vance Mitchell, spokesman for the Pasadena Police Department spokesman.

A family friend said Williams was excited to begin his senior year at Rayburn High School in just a few days.

The quick football running back had already caught the eye of some college recruiters, and worked hard to improve upon his naturally gifted athleticism.

"Football could have paid for his higher education," said family friend Jatata Hutton. "He worked at it relentlessly, training, just a model athlete."

There are no initial indications that alcohol or drugs played a factor in the accident, Mitchell said.

Football practice and an evening "meet and greet" were canceled Thursday, according to a spokesperson with Pasadena ISD.

Twitter was active with #Tron hashtags Thursday.

"'Tron" was Latrone's well known nickname.

A vigil, organized by Williams' friends, was scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday at Rayburn's practice field.

Pasadena ISD will make counselors available next week, when school starts, to students who are having a tough time dealing with Williams' death.

"He always showed happiness. He always had a bright smile on his face. He always intended to make other peoples' days better," Hutton said.

Latrone's mother has asked the public for help in covering funeral expenses.

Tamara Brooks also told Local 2 that Latrone had a daughter, just shy of her second birthday.

"I would like to see the remaining funds set aside for her," Brooks said.

If you'd like to donate, here's the information:

Latrone P. Williams Memorial Fund at Wells Fargo Bank.