SAN ANTONIO — Just a few weeks before her senior year, a Seguin High School student was killed in a car crash. It happened just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday on State Highway 123 near Lovelady Lane.
The 17-year-old softball player was on her way to a pitching lesson before the collision, loved ones say.
Chloe Belicek succumbed to her injuries in the hospital.
"She had a beautiful soul, she saw the good in everything," said Chrissy Belicek, Chloe's mother. "She liked to do art, she obviously loved sports. Chloe had a spunky spirit and you would just see her jumping around. She loved everyone she met.
"Chloe was fierce in the classroom, she was fierce on the volleyball court and on the softball field. She would fight for anyone, she would defend anyone who was in trouble.”
Chrissy says her daughter was heading to a practice with a friend when they were involved in a fender-bender. According to police, the driver left the vehicle to exchange insurance information.
Chloe stayed behind in the passenger seat.
“At the time, we were on the phone because she had called," said Chrissy. "I said, 'Chloe, make sure she gets the insurance, the number and the contact.' The moment after that... the phone went blank."
Investigators say a pickup truck crashed into the SUV Chloe was in. The driver of the pick-up truck suffered non-life-threatening injures, but Chloe was critically injured.
Her family says she suffered severe brain trauma before passing away on Thursday.
"I am very grateful for all of those who gave her CPR on the scene," Chrissy said.
Loved ones say faith was a central part of Chloe's life.
"Chloe is our angel watching over us from above," Chrissy said through tears.
Seguin ISD Superintendent Dr. Veronica Vijil released a statement on Facebook.
"Chloe was a bright, engaging young lady who embodied the Matador Spirit. She was loved by her teachers, coaches, administrators and fellow students, especially her teammates on the volleyball and softball teams, and those who were her friends in FFA. She will be missed by our Matador Family. Please join me in keeping the family and friends of Chloe Belicek in your prayers," Dr. Vijil said.
Meranda Rodriquez is a Seguin High School softball alumni. She says her cousin grew up playing softball with Chloe.
"I landed a teaching job at Seguin High School and I got to meet Chloe," said Meranda. "The first time I walked into the training room, I asked her about the softball program. I remember her saying, 'Well who is asking?' with some sass. I asked, 'Are y'all good?' She said, 'Why don't you come find out?' I knew then the confidence said a lot about her and her work ethic. I told her who I was and she said, 'No way, you have a photo in our locker room! You won a national championship, and I am going to get one.'"
For Meranda, Chloe remains one of the most dedicated athletes she's ever met.
"I got to know her on the field briefly; I volunteered to help the last few games," said Meranda. "Anything she committed to, she went all out. She was always checking on kids too. Chloe included everyone. She was more than just an athlete, she was a well-rounded individual.
"The hurt we feel is knowing she was going places. If I could leave any type of message, it would be to 'be like Chloe.' You don't have to be part of something big to leave an imprint."
Tally Neal, a former assistant principal at Seguin High School, called Chloe an “outstanding student and athlete.”
In their deep grief, the Beliceks are finding strength knowing their daughter touched many lives.
"As a parent and as a mother, it is awesome to see the impact she had," said Chrissy. "I can tell her, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' I want the community to know we are so eternally grateful for everything they are doing for us. There are not enough words to say, 'Thank you.'"
A memorial fund has been set up to help the Belicek's cover funeral arrangements. If you'd like to help, contact First United Bank in Seguin at (830) 401-1100 and ask for the "Chloe Strong Fund."
A vigil will also be held at St. James Catholic Church starting at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday.
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