Lubbock Family Heartbroken After 12-Year-Old Vance Witherspoon Dies in Tragic Post-Christmas ATV Accident
Donations have ranged from modest gifts to large contributions, including a $1,500 anonymous donation and multiple $1,000 gifts.
NewsRohit MaharjanDecember 29, 2026
This article was last updated by Rohit Maharjan on December 29, 2026
The sudden death of 12-year-old Vance Witherspoon left his family, friends, and community devastated following a tragic ATV accident that occurred the day after Christmas.
Vance was spending time with family on a camping and deer hunting trip when the fatal accident took place at a deer lease, as per a GoFundMe fundraiser created to support his family.
The fundraiser, organized by Jerod Bristo of Lubbock, Texas, explains that Vance was riding an all-terrain vehicle while camping with his grandfather, father, uncle, and cousins when the accident occurred.
Despite efforts to save him, Vance did not survive. The family has not publicly shared further details about the incident.
Vance’s death has shocked those who knew him, particularly because of his young age and vibrant personality. The fundraiser states,
This loss has left our entire family heartbroken and in shock. No one ever expects to have to plan a funeral for a child, and the pain is unimaginable.
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Bristo, who is Vance’s uncle, said he created the campaign so the family would not have to worry about funeral costs while navigating their grief.
The GoFundMe, titled “Support for Vance Witherspoon’s Funeral Expenses,” has raised more than $27,600 toward its $35,000 goal in just two days, receiving nearly 240 donations.
Contributors include friends, extended family, classmates’ parents, and community members moved by Vance’s story.
Donations have ranged from modest gifts to large contributions, including a $1,500 anonymous donation and multiple $1,000 gifts.
In a heartfelt Facebook post shared as an update on the fundraiser, Vance’s father expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support. He wrote,
Thank you all so much for all of the love and prayers and the monetary support of the GoFundMe. It is an incredible comfort to hear how loved Vance was by his friends and everyone else. He was such a special kid. Every time I look at these photos I start crying again. He lived life so fully. He had such an open and friendly personality. He was the best son any parent could hope for. I have made this post public now so that it can be re-shared if anybody wants to. I’m sorry I didn’t think to do so earlier.
Brock WitherspoonVance was remembered as a boy who embraced life with enthusiasm, whether through family time, sports, or friendships. He played football at Hutch, proudly wearing jersey number 81, and was known by teammates as a dedicated and kind-hearted player.
He was an avid Texas Tech Red Raiders fan, a passion he shared closely with his father, Brock.
One of the last memories his father shared was watching Texas Tech’s basketball comeback win against Duke just a week before Vance’s death. He recalled,
One of the last memories of him that sticks out to me is us watching the basketball game against Duke. Just a week ago now. He was so excited when Tech came back to win. And of course when we went to Arlington to watch the conference championship game against BYU.
Brock WitherspoonThe family is currently planning Vance’s funeral for late this week or early next week, aiming to hold services before school resumes and after a Texas Tech game that many relatives will attend.
Brock has also shared that they will need to purchase a burial plot and hope to secure a small family plot so he can one day be buried next to his son. He added,
I am overwhelmed with gratitude. I have no idea how much his funeral is going to cost. We will have to buy a burial plot. I want to be buried next to him so hopefully we can get a small family plot even if it means financing the rest of it.
Brock WitherspoonSocial media has been flooded with messages of prayers and condolences. Vance’s cousin, Lauren Witherspoon Peninger, shared an emotional tribute through her official Facebook handle.
Our hearts are broken. Yesterday we lost our sweet cousin, Vance. We don’t see each other nearly enough, but when we do come together, it’s always the sweetest moments we share. I’m so grateful they were just here and stayed with us—the time together was truly special. Jameson absolutely adored Vance and his cousins. He will be deeply missed. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. We’ve been through so much loss, and I hope this brings us even closer and reminds us to truly cherish every moment together.
Lauren Witherspoon PeningerFriends and community members echoed similar sentiments. Jan McNeil Oden Eckols wrote,
It is heartbreaking. I will continue to pray for all of y’all.
Jan McNeil Oden EckolsJennifer Wantz commented,
My heart breaks for you all. Love you guys, we’re here for anything you need.
Jennifer WantzApril Merrick Duncan said,
I can’t imagine this grief. Lauren, we are so very sorry for the loss of this amazing and beloved boy. Our hearts and prayers are with all of you.
April Merrick DuncanAs the Witherspoon family mourns, the outpouring of support reflects the impact Vance had in his short life as a son, cousin, teammate, and friend.
The fundraiser remains active for those wishing to support the family as they honor Vance’s memory and say their final goodbyes.
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Rohit MaharjanRohit Maharjan is a skilled content writer and editor, known for his expertise in crafting engaging and informative written pieces. Beyond his professional work, Rohit is also a passionate musician, dedicating his free time to playing the guitar and creating melodious tunes.
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