Teen’s Tragic Death Weighs Heavy on New Boston Students [VIDEO]

Today was the first day of school in Texas. It was a sad start to the new school year in New Boston, where students are still mourning the accidental death of one of their classmates.

The accidental shooting death of 17 year old Semaj Williams last week at a New Boston car wash has shaken the community to the core just as the new school year begins. Extra counselors are on campus and others standing by this week for the students, according to New Boston I.S.D. Superintendent Gary VanDeaver.

Instead of a scheduled scrimmage game, hundreds showed up last Thursday evening at the football stadium to for a candlelight vigil for Williams who died after being accidentally shot by a classmate while detailing a car.

Williams, who was a member of the New Boston Lion football team, will be missed by both his teammates and fellow students at the tight knit school in Bowie County in Northeast Texas.

Despite mourning the loss of Williams, the Lions, ranked as the number 3 Class 2A team by East Texas Sports Network, must prepare for the season opener which will be played this FrIday at home against neighboring DeKalb. The loss of their friend and teammate will surely weigh heavily on them as they practice this week, and take a great emotional toll on the team as they take the field against the Bears this Friday.

The spirited match up between the neighboring schools will have a different feel to it this year without #6 in the game, and on the sidelines for New Boston High .Williams would have been a senior this year and was set to graduate high school next May.

Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to William's family, friends, teammates and fellow students in New Boston. Funeral services for Semaj are reportedly scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday August 28 at First Baptist Church in New Boston.