A speeding car slammed into cars parked at Harper Elementary School as third and fifth graders celebrated Thanksgiving lunch with their parents, authorities said.
The accident was reported about 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 18, in the 8000 block of County Road 398, police said.
The Princeton Police Department dispatched officers about 1:45 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18.
“Upon arrival, officers found bystanders providing aid to an adult male,” Police Chief James Waters said in a release. “The individual was pronounced deceased on scene and was later identified as a 51-year-old Fairview resident driving a 2021 Tesla.”
The chief said seven unoccupied cars were struck and there were no individuals near the scene at the time of the crash.
“A piece off one of the cars busted through a cafeteria window and landed on the floor, but it was between tables,” said Jean Ann Collins, communications coordinator for the Princeton ISD.
The ambulance crew evaluated two people in the cafeteria, but they were not injured, police said.
According to Collins, the campus was placed on hold, keeping students and visitors inside as first responders assessed the scene and treated the victim in the parking lot.
After school, dismissal was transferred to the back of the school to keep the accident scene clear, she said.
Collins said the district’s director of mental and physical wellness was on the Harper campus the following day.
“She and other counselors were available to anyone who might’ve been experiencing a difficult time because of the incident,” she said.
Collins added that crews cleared massive amounts of debris so there were no real signs of the tragedy when students and staff returned to Harper Wednesday morning.
The district said its prayers were with the family of the driver who died and Superintendent Donald McIntyre sent a message to the Harper staff, praising them for their response during and after the crisis.
“I know it was a very trying and frightening time, but they all did amazing,” McIntyre said. “They did what PISD always does, take care of kids. I truly appreciate all the hard work and the loving hearts that our staff showed to our students and parents.”
The Princeton Police Traffic Division and Criminal Investigations Division were actively investigating the cause
of the crash and requested anyone with information to call the PD at 972-736-3901. Tips may also be submitted by texting PPDTIP and a message to 847411 or by submitting an online form at the Princeton Police Department webpage.

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