STAFF REPORT
The community of Lingleville was in shock this morning as they gathered despite the cold, gloomy weather at the church to pray for the VanKranenburg family at 10 a.m. The service was in honor of Bart VanKranenburg, a 16-year-old junior at Lingleville High School, who was found unresponsive at a friend’s house around 3 a.m. Sunday.
While not much information is available at this time, The Flash does know that the Erath County Sheriff’s Office, Erath County EMS and the Erath County Justice of the Peace were called to the incident. Erath County Sheriff’s Investigators confirmed Sunday morning that they were positive drugs and alcohol were not involved in the accident at all.
Another report stated a large number of LISD students were seen at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital in Stephenville just before 6 a.m. However, that report was not confirmed.
VanKranenburg played with the Lingleville Cardinals basketball team Friday night in Hamilton. He also played football for the Cardinals and was named second team all-state in six-man football this fall.
The Flash is working on the story and will have more information on the incident as it is made available by local officials. Currently, Erath County Sheriff Tommy Bryant said he can confirm there was a death and that his officers were dispatched, but that no other information is being released at this time. Please continue to pray for the VanKranenburg family and the entire Lingleville community.
UPDATE (2 p.m., Dec. 22) — Services have been officially set for Bart VanKranenburg.
According to a family member, visitation for the family will be held at Lacy Funeral Home in Stephenville on Friday, Dec. 26, from 4-6 p.m. A candlelight vigil will be held in the JayCee Park, which is across the street from the funeral home, following visitation on Friday.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 27, at Cottonwood Baptist Church in Dublin under the direction of Lacy Funeral Home.
I am a retired math teacher ,32 yrs. I grew up in a small town , Avoca. I have seen other great young people whose lives are cut short. It tragic beyond words. May you find comfort and peace soon.
Milton L Jensen
Avoca, TX
Family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers
Prayers for the Family and Friends.