High school student killed in Cedar Park crash

Cedar Park Police are investigating a crash that killed a Leander ISD High School student Monday morning.

It happened on Brushy Creek Drive in Cedar Park less than a mile away from Vista Ridge High School where the district say the driver, 17-year-old Myles Hutcheson, attended school.

His youth pastor at North Point Church in Cedar Park, Jordan Geist, told CBS Austin Hutcheson was on his way to school before the crash. "I met Myles whenever he was in fifth grade, so he's been a really influential student for a long time now,” Geist said.

Myles was known for the joy he brought and his compassion for everyone he met. "He was just an overwhelmingly positive, optimistic, very approachable student,” Geist said. "He would always make new students feel comfortable. He was always just encouraging and complimenting people."

Geist said he played a big role his youth group and was a dedicated mentor to other students at the church. "You could just tell he cared about everybody that walked through the doors,” he said.

Myles, a high school junior, was also a dedicated varsity basketball player for the Vista Ridge Rangers. "I was just as the Vista Ridge game last Tuesday watching him play -- really good basketball player, really competitive as well,” he said.

He was less than a mile away from school when he crashed into a tree. Police are still investigating what led up to the crash but they say no other cars were involved.

"Shock -- that's not what you expect to hear waking up today,” Geist said.

For now, Geist is focused on comforting fellow students and providing a space where they can find comfort. "It's really special to see the outpouring support,” he said. “There's a couple hundred students in the auditorium right now from all different kinds of campuses. It just shows how much he was loved how widespread his influence was."

Letter released to Vista Ridge High School students and parents by Principal Paul Johnson:

The Vista Ridge High School family is greatly saddened to hear of the loss of a VRHS student in a car accident this morning. Out of respect for the family’s privacy during this sensitive time, we are unable to release more details.

This news has brought great sorrow to our campus and has impacted many at Vista Ridge High School. Our thoughts and prayers are with the student’s family and friends.

Children often react strongly to a traumatic event such as this, even if they did not know the student well. Those who are acquainted with the family may be experiencing additional stress. Our counselors have reminded us that it’s important to allow students to express their feelings about this. I encourage you to do the same. The most important thing we can do is to be supportive and encourage an open expression of feelings.

Counselors are available for to assist your student(s) should there be a need. If your

student is experiencing difficulty in dealing with this loss, please contact our counseling office at 570-1824.

We will try to maintain as normal a routine and structure as the situation allows, and we encourage you to do the same. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if there is a need. We are here to help.

Leander ISD says they have counselors available for students and staff who are in need. You can also reach the counseling office at 512-570-1824.

Leander ISD says they have counselors available for students and staff who are in need. You can also reach the counseling office at 512-570-1824.