Tragic Christmas Eve crash claims lives of two teens

Описание: The Soapy Falls Express Car Wash family in Round Rock is remembering two of their employees who tragically lost their lives in a multi-vehicle crash on Christmas Eve.

Brooke Patton and Cooper Elsik, remembered as caring individuals with promising futures, tragically lost their lives in a three-vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 79 in Milam County.

The Texas Department of Public Safety reported that Elsik was driving westbound when a pickup truck towing a homemade trailer crossed into his lane, causing a collision that led to the deaths of both teens at the scene.

Tristan Perez, manager at Soapy Falls Express Car Wash, where the teens worked, expressed disbelief, saying, "It’s just not right... just unexpected." Perez says he's known the two for about a year and a half and said everyone else at the car wash is doing, "Not the best, but just have to try and stay strong for them and just honor them the best we can."

He called Patton and Elsik "selfless, happy, giving people."

Car wash Co-owner Montana Murrell shared the community's grief, stating, "To hear that, it hits way too close to home... it definitely is devastating."

Patton, 17, and Elsik, 18, were on their way to Santa's Wonderland when the crash happened.

In response, a GoFundMe campaign has raised over $11,000 to assist the families with funeral expenses, with services scheduled for Jan. 17. Soapy Falls is organizing a fundraiser on Jan. 3, with all sales from their Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Hutto locations going to the families. Murrell announced, "Everything that we make that day – all sales are gonna go to Brooke and Cooper’s family."

The car wash will also accept additional donations to honor the memory of the young teens.

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