Staff Report
The Chapa Middle School family is reeling over the death of one of its own. The school sent out a letter Friday morning informing parents and students of the situation.
Chapa Principal Lisa Walls wrote to the school’s parents, saying in part, “It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of one of our seventh grade students, Izabella “Izzy” Rominger. She died last night at her home. If we receive additional information from the family about funeral arrangements, with their permission, we will share it with you.”
Izy, as her family spells the nickname, was 13.
Kyle Police responded to a 911 call at approximately 6 p.m. Thursday, according to Police Chief Jeff Barnett. Justice of the Peace Beth Smith also responded to the call Thursday evening at the teen’s home and pronounced the girl deceased at 7:15 p.m.
“It was a tragic death,” Smith said. “I ordered an autopsy and there is an ongoing investigation into her death.”
She said autopsies are standard protocol for many types of death situations.
The autopsy report should be available in three to four weeks, according to Smith.
She also notified the school district’s head counselor, Charlotte Winklemann.
Hays CISD spokesperson Tim Savoy said the school’s administration team was prepared for a potentially emotional morning.
“We have 12 counselors at the campus as part of the crisis response team.” Savoy said Friday.
Friends and schoolmates remembered Izy on the Hays Free Press Facebook site over the past several days, many commenting on how sweet she was.
“Izy was a beautiful, smart, sweet, lovable, hilarious girl to be around. Her company was always welcomed and always enjoyable,” wrote Marcelo Garner, whose Facebook page indicates he is a student at Hays High School.
“Counselors & staff on campus did a great job supporting the students & families on campus this morning,” wrote Bronwyn Gilliam.
Ginger Willis Bordeau wrote, “Such a sad day. She was a sweet girl.”
Friends of the Rominger family created an online fundraising campaign on the site YouCaring.com to “Help us support her family through the difficult times ahead.”
The site features a video of Izy singing along to John Lennon’s “Imagine” along with a photo gallery. Visitors can also donate to the Izy Memorial Fund.
Funeral arrangements for Izy are on page 3C of this edition of the Hays Free Press.
