Community mourns loss of Paschal HS recent grad, incoming TCU baseball player

The R.L. Paschal High School community is mourning the death of a recent graduate.

Drew Medford was a starting pitcher at the school and set to play baseball at TCU this year. He died in an accident early Thursday morning.

Drew Medford was very well known at Paschal High School. His passion for baseball was legendary at the school. His former coach said hearing about the crash left them feeling like they got the wind knocked out of them.

Students, faculty and friends shared memories during a vigil for the 18-year-old baseball standout and one of the newest members of the TCU baseball team.

"We get back up and we keep pushing forward,” said Matt Miracle with the high school athletic department. “And we all know that's exactly what Drew would want us to do."

DPS responded around 2:30 a.m. to northbound Chisholm Trail Parkway near I-20, where Medford's 2016 Volkswagen Passat lost control at a curve in the road. Police say he hit an exit sign and then a concrete barrier.

Investigators are still looking into the cause of the crash but say alcohol doesn’t appear to be a factor.

"You could just see his passion every day in the weight room on the baseball field,” said high school baseball coach Darrell Preston.

The coach said Medford was so good, he fully expected the 18-year-old to be playing pro-ball in a few years. He said the young player was an example for other players and had an unrelenting thirst for the game.

Medford accepted a scholarship at TCU to play ball and was already working out with the team this summer.

Friends said he was excited about the opportunity and gearing up for the start of classes on Monday. Two of his former Paschal teammates spoke at the vigil.

"The greatest person I've ever met. He changed my life.” said former teammate Sergio Conchas. “And if it wasn't for him, I don't think I'd be in college right now. He pushed me really hard."

"We're allowed to look up and see him and know that he's watching,” said former teammate Zack Shaw. “And he's gonna take care of each and every one of us because he had the biggest heart in the world."