NEWS Staff Report
HARLINGEN, TX—The community is mourning the loss of a San Benito teen who was struck down by a motor vehicle late Sunday night.
The young man, identified as 17-year-old San Benito High School Junior Cobretti Rae Rodriguez, was taken to the hospital by emergency medical services shortly after being hit by a vehicle on the 2800 block of North Expressway 77 in Harlingen, according to Harlingen Police, who are investigating the incident.
Earlier this week, the San Benito Consolidated Independent School District (SBCISD) announced that San Benito High School suspended all athletic functions until further notice, except for girls’ powerlifting activities.
According to the District’s statement, counseling services are also being offered to students. Reports indicated that a few of Rodriguez’s friends attended class on Monday.
“San Benito Schools is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a San Benito High School student this weekend,” the District’s statement reads. “Our heartfelt thoughts, prayers, and immediate support are with the family and friends as they mourn their profound loss. We will respect the confidentiality of the student and their family during this difficult time.”
The statement went on to read, “The district’s counseling services have begun offering grief support to students and staff who need it. All San Benito High School athletic events are canceled until further notice, except for the girls’ powerlifting team’s participation at their regional meet.”
“We respectfully ask the news media to honor the privacy of those affected and to give the San Benito High School community space to grieve,” according to the statement.
SBCISD School Board of Trustees President Ariel Cruz-Vela shared a heartfelt message on social media. “My heart breaks to share the news of a beloved student from San Benito High School. My prayers go out to the family, friends, and the entire community.”
Orlando “Papas” Lopez, SBCISD School Board Trustee Pl. 4, shared the District’s statement on social media, adding, “My deepest heartfelt sympathies and prayers to the family and friends as they mourn this unimaginable loss.”
The City of San Benito also shared the School District’s post on its official Facebook page, adding, “The City of San Benito extends our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, teammates, and all those impacted by the tragic loss of a young member of our community. Our thoughts are with everyone during this incredibly difficult time.”
Former school board trustee Anna Llanes added, “My deepest condolences to his family, extended family, teammates, and friends. May God provide them comfort during this time.”
Family and friends established a GoFundMe account to help cover burial costs.
“Our community is heartbroken as we share the devastating loss of a truly special young man,” reads the GoFundMe page. “Cobretti Rae Rodriguez was a beloved son, brother, grandson, and friend. His time with us was far too brief, but the impact he made will last forever.”
The title page goes on to read, “He had the kindest heart and a gentle spirit that drew people to him. Whether it was his smile, his quiet strength, or the way he showed up for others, he left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. He was deeply loved by his family, his friends, his classmates, and our community.”
“No parent or sibling should have to endure this pain, and while no amount of support can replace him, we hope to surround his family with love, strength, and assistance in the days ahead,” the statement concludes. “We ask that you keep his family in your thoughts and prayers as they deal with this unimaginable loss.”