A 16-year-old girl died early Sunday morning when the car she was driving left the roadway and collided with a city welcome sign in La Vernia, Texas. The vehicle then rolled over and caught fire.

Ava Wetzel was driving a 2015 Lexus RX 350 when the crash occurred just before 4 a.m. on U.S. Highway 87 near Chihuahua Street. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Wetzel was scheduled to begin her junior year at La Vernia High School the day after the accident.

The brick sign, which was damaged in the crash, has become a makeshift memorial where community members have placed flowers, photos, and notes.

According to the La Vernia Police Department, Wetzel was traveling northbound when the vehicle swerved off the roadway, entered a grassy area, and struck the sign. The Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

Friends and family remembered Wetzel as a vibrant person. Her best friend, Madi Symanski, described her as an understanding and welcoming individual. Wetzel had recently moved to La Vernia from the Corpus Christi area for a fresh start, according to her aunt, Jessica Humphries. Her mother, Raquel Humphries, shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, stating, "I love you & miss you terribly, my sweet Ava Potayta! My baby girl." Her father, Andy Green, also posted on Facebook, expressing the family's grief and asking for prayers.

A GoFundMe page has been established to assist Wetzel's family with funeral expenses and to fund a celebration of her life. The page describes Wetzel as "a spitfire - full of energy, spirit, and a zest for life that made every moment brighter." As of Wednesday afternoon, the fundraiser had collected over $11,000 toward its $16,000 goal.

La Vernia Independent School District released a statement expressing condolences and noting that campus teams were prepared to support students and staff returning to school. The district has made counseling resources available in collaboration with neighboring districts.

Wetzel, who enjoyed playing soccer and riding golf carts, would have celebrated her 17th birthday in September.