A tragic automobile accident on Highway 62 near Jasper has claimed the lives of a mother and daughter, leaving a community in mourning.

Meagan Martin and her 13-year-old daughter, Serenity Rivera, were killed in the crash Friday evening, March 6, 2026. Serenity was a student at Hemphill Middle School, where she was known as an involved and beloved student by both classmates and teachers.

The heartbreaking loss is made even more difficult by the fact that Serenity had just received exciting news hours earlier — she had been selected as a Hemphill Middle School cheerleader earlier that same day.

Serenity is the daughter of Cody Rivera, an employee of the City of Hemphill. News of the accident has spread quickly throughout the community, bringing an outpouring of prayers and support for the Rivera family, as well as for friends, students, and faculty at Hemphill Middle School who are grieving the loss of a bright young life.

School officials, classmates, and community members are remembering Serenity as a student who was loved by many and whose presence brought joy to those around her.

As the community processes this devastating loss, many are asking for continued prayers for Serenity’s father, Cody Rivera, their extended family, friends, and the students and staff at Hemphill Middle School who will deeply feel the impact of her passing.

The accident remains under investigation by authorities.