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Two 2007 Coppell High graduates killed in separate incidents Friday Morning

02:42 PM CDT on Friday, April 25, 2008
From Staff Reports

Two recent Coppell High School graduates died tragically Friday morning in separate incidents, leaving students, families and school district employees mourning the loss of the two teens.

Parents of students at Lee Elementary School were allowed to pick up their children early.

The body of Emily "Christina" Coker, 18, was found hanging from a swingset at the school. She was a former student of the elementary school and 2007 graduate of Coppell High School, said Sharon Logan, a city of Coppell spokeswoman.

Also early Friday, 19-year-old Travis Masters of Coppell, died when his Audi slid under an 18-wheeler in Grapevine. He was also a 2007 alum of Coppell High School.

“It’s a sad day in the school district,” said school district spokeswoman Tamerah Ringo.

Ms. Coker was a National Merit Scholarship finalist. District officials said her mother is a middle school teacher in the district.

A missing person’s report was filed by her family at about 6:15 a.m. Friday, Ms. Logan said. About a half hour later, a jogger near the elementary school reported seeing a body hanging from the playground equipment.

The Coppell school district said parents may pick up their students early from Lee Elementary. Counselors were also being made available to students, parents and staff.

Authorities said Mr. Masters died at the scene of the accident. The 18-wheeler was traveling north on Highway 121 and attempting to make a left turn onto Freeport Parkway when it collided with his Audi, police said.

The Audi slid under the truck, said Grapevine police Sgt. Kim Smith. “It basically severed the top of the vehicle,” he said.

The truck driver was not injured.

Within hours of the accident, several friends from Coppell High School and nearby colleges posted condolences messages on Mr. Masters’ Facebook page.

“Travis, you are one of the best guys I know, I love you man,” one friend wrote. “I am still in shock I can't believe this. I am happy that we all got to hang out this last weekend. Please watch over us bro, I love you.”

The page listed him as part of the Class of 2011 at Oklahoma State University. He listed motocross, cars and music as his top three interests.

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