Madison Nelson, 15, a freshman at Bullard High School, was killed in an ATV crash on New Year’s Day. The incident occurred around 1 p.m. Wednesday when the ATV, driven by another teenager, went off the road and rolled over, ejecting Madison. Justice of the Peace Curtis Wolf confirmed the fatality and stated the cause of the rollover remains under investigation.
Madison was known for her academic excellence and was a homecoming duchess for the freshman class earlier in the school year. Bullard ISD Superintendent Jack Lee, Ed.D., released a statement Thursday addressing the tragedy:
"I am deeply saddened to inform you that Madison Nelson, a 9th-grade student at Bullard High School, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in a motor vehicle accident," Lee said. "Madi was a shining star who consistently excelled in the classroom. She was regularly looked up to by other students and represented the Freshman Class as one of our homecoming duchesses earlier this fall semester. Please keep Madi’s family, friends, and teachers in your thoughts and prayers."
Counselors will be available to support students and staff returning from the holiday break on January 7. The district also encouraged parents to be vigilant for signs of grief in their children and to reach out for professional support if needed.
Texas DPS is leading the ongoing investigation into the crash.
