Tragic accidents cost the lives of former students

 The close-knit community of St. Anthony of Padua in Robstown is shaken – two severe car accidents took the lives of former students. On Thursday night, a father was driving home from the Livestock Show with his two children and a 12-year-old stepson. A truck driver ran a stop sign at high speed. The father, Randy Rubio, died on the scene, and his 4-year-old daughter, Eden, died hours later in the hospital.
 
And on Sunday morning, 12-year-old Connor Zapata, a former St. Anthony of Padua School student, succumbed to his injuries.
 
Principal Anna Gonzalez shared the tragic news with the students this morning as they returned after the long weekend. “Connor was a student at St. Anthony’s from Pre-K through 4^th grade, and I remember his big smile,” she said. The 7^th graders who were his classmates received special attention, and the school counselor spoke with them as they shared memories of Connor: “He is going to be forever remembered and is a part of St. Anthony’s school family,” says Gonzalez.
 
Now, the school community is doing its best to be present: “Everyone has just been pouring out their generosity with their prayers and just being here for one another.” Many parents are also participating in the fundraiser to support the family. A rosary for Connor and his family is planned for tomorrow, and a Candlelight Vigil is scheduled for Friday. His mother's cousin is a teacher at the school, and an administrative assistant is also related to the family. 
 
The children of the family that lost their lives in a tragic accident in Victoria had also attended St. Anthony’s for a short time, and the mother was a very active parishioner. In the midst of all this pain and loss, the principal and staff are trying to help the children who are having a difficult time. “It has been extremely difficult. I can't imagine what the family is going through, especially the mother, who just lost two children and her fiancé.” It is a reminder “that we never know if we see someone for the last time.”