Student dies after getting coat stuck in car door during school drop off

An eight-year-old girl has died in an apparent freak accident after her coat became lodged in a vehicle door during the school drop off.

Serenity Campos, a student of Gateway Elementary in Borger, Texas, was meters away from the school at 8am on Friday (January 24) when tragedy struck.

The eight-year-old was reportedly exiting the vehicle to go to school at its designed drop-off area in the parking lot when her coat became trapped in the car door without the driver's knowledge.

A public information officer and assistant city manager confirmed to People that the girl was then hit by the car.

Brandon Strope said: "As the vehicle began to pull away, the motion caused Serenity to fall and be struck by the vehicle."

The girl suffered immediate serious injuries and school staff attempted to give the youngster life-saving first aid while paramedics raced to the scene.

However, after being taken to Golden Plains Community Hospital she was pronounced dead, a little over two weeks since celebrating her eighth birthday.

Strope added the young girl's death is a 'heartbreaking loss' to the community and that people have been using the hashtag #LoveLikeSerenity and wearing pink to honor her memory while counselling sessions are available at the school.

An obituary for Serenity said she had a 'huge heart' (Burginfuneralhome.com)

An obituary for Serenity said the little girl loved sports, animals, the outdoors, dancing and 'anything pink, fluffy or glittery' and had big ambitions of becoming a school principle and broadcasting her own show on YouTube.

The tribute described her as 'full of life, love and enthusiasm' and had a 'huge heart and loved BIG'.

It continued: "She was a caring and protective big sister and friend, or 'little mom,' who hated to see anybody crying or sad. Serenity was a friend to everyone, and claimed many people as 'cousins,' even if they weren't actually related to her.

"She knew no stranger, and wanted to always be around her friends. Serenity had a contagious smile - and she was ALWAYS smiling!"

The incident has rocked the community with hundreds of mementos being left outside Gateway Elementary (Borger Independent School District/Facebook)

A GoFundMe page has since been set up to support her grieving family which has already raised more than $77,000 at the time of writing.

The fundraiser says her 'loving parents', Daniela and Daniel Campos, and their three other children are trying to navigate their 'unimaginable grief' as well as funeral costs and daily expenses.

The assistant city manager also confirmed that the local authorities are considering the incident a 'tragic accident' and that police 'do not have any reason to believe that criminal chargers will be filed'.

Teddy bears and other toys have been stacked high at a memorial which Strope said is 'reflecting the joy and innocence [Serenity] brought to those around her'.

A spokesperson from the Borger Police Department also said it happened 'so quickly it could not be stopped'.

"Despite the presence of a senior school administrator who immediately attempted to intervene, the incident happened so quickly that it could not be stopped," the police statement read.

"Our hearts go out to all those affected by this horrible accident as they navigate this devastating loss. The entire community grieves alongside them.

"At this time, we ask for understanding, patience, and compassion for all those affected. Please join us in keeping the family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time."

UNILAD has contacted the Borger Police Department for further comment.