BEAUMONT, Texas — Police in Port Arthur are investigating after a Memorial High School student was killed after possibly being struck by a vehicle on Saturday.
The body of Nancy Lizbeth Mendoza Chavez, of Port Arthur, who was a senior at Memorial, was found in the 1800 block of Texas Highway 73 near the Motiva refinery on Saturday.
Chavez was pronounced dead at the scene by Jefferson County Precinct Two Justice of the Peace Marc DeRouen who told 12News her family has been notified.
A witness told police that he had seen Chavez walking along the highway and turned around to check on her, but by the time he got back to her she had been hit by a vehicle according to Judge DeRouen.
"There are some things that are not in line with a typical hit and run," Port Arthur Police chief Timothy Duriso told 12News.
Investigators are looking at all scenarios and are not assuming it was a hit-and-run Duriso told 12News.
"We do not know why she was walking on the road," Duriso said. "Why was she there?"
Duriso asks that anyone with information about the incident call Crime Stoppers.
Judge DeRouen has ordered an autopsy in the case.
Her family has started a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs.
The Port Arthur Independent School District released a statement on Monday saying "our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are centered on the family, friends, and Titans who knew and loved MHS Senior Nancy Lizbeth Mendoza Chavez."
Counselors and social workers have been made available to speak to students and staff the district said in the statement.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
Read the full statement from PAISD...
Our hearts, thoughts, and prayers are centered on the family, friends, and Titans who knew and loved MHS Senior Nancy Lizbeth Mendoza Chavez, who transitioned on Saturday. Counselors, social workers and Communities In Schools liaisons are available to students and staff who may need their services--today, and in the future. PAISD stands in support of Nancy's loved ones, peers and campus community during this difficult time and in the difficult days ahead.
GET NEWS & WEATHER ALERTS | Download the 12News App to your mobile device
CRIME STOPPERS | Submit a tip @ 833Tips.com
CRIME STOPPERS APP | Download the P3 Tips App
If you have information about a crime you could earn a cash reward of up to $1000 by providing an ANONYMOUS tip to Crime Stoppers of Southeast Texas.
Call 833-TIPS (8477) or download the P3Tips App on your mobile device to submit your tip anonymously.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.