Sanger ISD Student Killed in School Bus Rollover Crash on Huling Road in Denton County, Texas

A 13-year-old Sanger ISD student was killed and four other people were injured when a school bus left the roadway and overturned in Denton County on Thursday afternoon, September 24, 2026. According to Sanger City Manager John Noblitt, Sanger Fire and Sanger Police were called to the single-vehicle crash at approximately 4:55 p.m. at Huling Road and Lois Road East. The Texas Department of Public Safety says the bus was headed northbound on Huling Road when it veered off the roadway, hit a culvert, and rolled over. The impact tore up sections of asphalt, and investigators marked the path of debris to where the bus came to rest on its side. The 38-year-old driver, Jesse Padgett, and three students were treated on the scene for minor injuries. Julian Amador, 13, was taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where he died from his injuries. The Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed his identity. DPS is leading the investigation and has not released a cause. It remains unclear whether Padgett will face any charges. Sanger ISD, which was closed Friday as part of its four-day school week, has asked the community to keep the Amador family in their thoughts.

Location and Infrastructure

The crash occurred on Huling Road near Lois Road East, in an unincorporated part of Denton County. Sanger is approximately 55 miles north of Dallas, along the Interstate 35 corridor in North Texas. The area around the crash site is largely rural and is served by Sanger ISD bus routes, including afternoon routes that carry students home after dismissal. Like many rural county roads, this stretch has drainage culverts and ditches alongside the pavement. These features can create a serious hazard when a vehicle leaves the travel lanes, and investigators say the bus struck a culvert before rolling over. Because the crash happened outside city limits, DPS troopers are leading the investigation, with Sanger Fire and Sanger Police assisting in the initial response. Under Texas law, drivers must stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights. Motorists on rural roads should also watch for buses making frequent stops.

Legal Rights and Considerations

In Texas, crashes involving school district vehicles may fall under the Texas Tort Claims Act (Civil Practice and Remedies Code, Chapter 101). This law waives governmental immunity in limited circumstances, including injuries arising from an employee's operation of a motor vehicle. The act caps damages against local governmental units, including school districts, at $100,000 per person and $300,000 per occurrence. It generally requires written notice of a claim within six months of the incident. Texas also has a general two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. Families may pursue wrongful death and survival actions under Chapter 71. Recoverable damages can include medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, mental anguish, and loss of companionship. Health insurance and personal injury protection coverage may also apply. Because every case depends on its specific facts, affected families may wish to consult a licensed Texas attorney about their circumstances.

Related Resources

Emergency and Investigating Agencies

• Emergency: 911
• Texas Department of Public Safety (lead investigating agency): dps.texas.gov
• City of Sanger (Police and Fire): sangertexas.org
• Denton County Sheriff's Office: dentoncounty.gov

Crash Reports and Traffic Safety

• TxDOT Crash Report Online Purchase System (CR-3 crash reports): cris.dot.state.tx.us
• Texas Department of Transportation traffic safety programs: txdot.gov
• Texas Education Agency (school transportation information): tea.texas.gov
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration school bus safety: nhtsa.gov/road-safety/school-bus-safety

Support for Victims and Families

• Texas Crime Victims' Compensation Program (Office of the Attorney General), where eligibility applies: texasattorneygeneral.gov/crime-victims
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call or text 988), for immediate emotional support
• The Compassionate Friends (support for families after the death of a child): compassionatefriends.org
• Denton County MHMR Center (local behavioral health services): dentonmhmr.org

Texas Laws and Regulations

• Texas Transportation Code, Chapter 545 (Operation and Movement of Vehicles): statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.545.htm
• Texas Tort Claims Act, Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 101: statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.101.htm
• Texas Wrongful Death Act, Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 71: statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.71.htm