Kym Morquecho, a beloved high school softball coach and English teacher from Rowe HS in McAllen, Texas, tragically lost her life in a car accident in Tennessee on June 30, 2025.
Kym Morquecho’s death deeply saddened her community, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness.
Kym Morquecho Was More Than A Teacher Or A Coach—She Was A Force
At 35, she had just completed her ninth year teaching English at Rowe High School, where she was known for her wit, warmth, and ability to make every student feel seen.
A proud alumna of the University of Texas-Pan American, Kym earned her Master’s degree in English from the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) in 2023.
Her academic journey was far from over, though. With her characteristic ambition, she relocated to Massachusetts to begin her Ph.D. studies, a dream that promised to solidify her mark in academia.
Kym’s life was a beautiful blend of bold dreams and tender connections.
She had a rare gift for making people feel valued, whether it was a student struggling with self-doubt or a colleague in need of a laugh.
Her friends and family described her as witty, sharp, and always ready with a clever remark that could light up a room.
Kym was traveling with her partner, 35-year-old Guadalupe “Pita” Rodriguez, and their one-year-old pit bull mix, Zoe, when the unthinkable happened.
On Interstate 40 in Tennessee, a catastrophic five-car crash changed everything.
According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Ethan Collins, 25, rear-ended a vehicle driven by 73-year-old Darrell Eggers.
The impact sent Eggers’ vehicle across the median, where it went airborne and collided with Kym’s car in the eastbound lanes.
Both Kym and Pita lost their lives in the crash, while Eggers was injured. Two other cars were also damaged, and the interstate was shut down for hours.
Charges are pending against one of the drivers involved.
Miraculously, Zoe, Kym’s beloved dog, survived the crash.
She was taken to the Roane County Animal Shelter and is now on her way to Texas, where Kym’s best friend will give her a loving new home.
Kym made a strong impact as a teacher.
Rowe High School, she wasn’t just a teacher—she was a mentor, a confidante, and a beacon of hope for her students.
Analyssa Martinez, a former student, shared a heartfelt tribute that captured Kym’s extraordinary ability to connect:
“There were so many days in high school when I was barely holding it together. The anxiety felt like too much, and most days I felt like I was drowning quietly in a room full of people. But Ms. Morquecho always noticed. She never looked the other way. She helped me believe that my story matters. She gave me the courage to be seen.”
Via Facebook
That kind of compassion wasn’t rare for Kym—it was who she was. Her students adored her, her colleagues respected her, and her community cherished her.
The official page for the Nikki Rowe Warriors shared this feeling:
Following Kym Morquecho’s Death, Her Community Has Come Together To Honor Her Memory
Kym’s brother, Rosalio Morquecho, shared a raw and emotional tribute on social media:
“I’m speechless, completely speechless.
Via Facebook
My sister was unfortunately involved in a fatal car crash in Knoxville, TN, on her way to Boston, Massachusetts. I love you, older sister, and will always love your stubborn self. You spoke your mind, even when it wasn’t asked for—it’s why we loved you. Losing a sibling is so hard. ou will forever and always be our leader cheer.”
A GoFundMe has been set up to raise $11,000 to cover transport, funeral, and memorial expenses, as well as to support Kym’s family during this difficult time.
Kym’s story shows her strength, love, and commitment to helping others.
She was a woman who lived boldly, loved deeply, and inspired endlessly.
Though her journey was cut short, her light continues to shine in the hearts of her students, her colleagues, her friends, and her family.
Kym Morquecho’s death is a heartbreaking loss, but her legacy is unstoppable.
Every student she encouraged, every classroom she filled with laughter, and every life she touched carries a piece of her brilliance.
Her dream of earning a doctorate may have been unfinished, but her impact on the world is complete in the love and inspiration she left behind.
Rest in peace, Kym. Your story matters, and it will never be forgotten.
