Ascarate Elementary counselor killed in weekend UTV accident

Catherine Berry, an Ascarate Elementary School counselor, was killed over the weekend in a UTV accident, officials with the Ysleta Independent School District confirmed.

Berry had been with YISD for 10 years and served the past two years at Ascarate Elementary. The school’s principal, Claudia Ureño-Olivas, described Berry as a passionate person who enjoyed helping others. “She was beautiful, kind and full of positive energy, and she had such a wonderful impact on so many people,” said Ureño-Olivas.

Berry showed her support for breast cancer awareness when she recently made a donation to the Stand With Estela Fund. At the time of the donation, Berry told ABC-7 her mother was once diagnosed with breast cancer and that is why she chose to donate the money she raised to the Stand With Estela fund.

The district says grief counselors will be available at Ascarate Elementary to help students, faculty and staff cope with Berry’s death. “It’s just been a difficult time for all of us who knew her because she had this incredible spirit and energy,” said Ysleta ISD Spokeswoman Patricia Ayala, “She wanted to help anyone who crossed her path, regardless of whether you were a child or an adult.”

Berry was reportedly riding in a utility task vehicle (UTV), which is different from an all terrain vehicle (ATV).

An ATV is smaller than a UTV, is usually meant for a single rider and is mostly used for recreational purposes. A UTV can seat between two and four people and are designed for rougher terrain, hauling, and more work-horse tasks.

Riders straddle ATVs like a saddle to ride while UTV riders sit in bench or bucket seats. Also, ATVs steer using a handlebar system while UTVs have a steering wheel similar to a car or truck.

It’s still unclear what kind of model UTV Berry was riding in, or if she was wearing a seatbelt or helmet at the time of the crash.

“We are in shock and a lot of pain,” said Janell Duvall, Berry’s daughter. “It’s like a nightmare, you just keep waking up over and over. It will take a long time to process, it’s just a phone call you never want”

Berry’s daughters told ABC-7 their mother loved the outdoors and she died doing what she enjoyed doing the most. They also described Berry as an inspirational woman.

“She would be described as the person – when you look in the mirror and think about everything you want to be – she was that,” said Duvall, “She was amazing and she will never be forgotten and she will always be missed. She made an impact that we will never forget.”

“Even though we are saddened, we are very, very grateful we have such support from our family and friends,” said Amy Guell, Berry’s daugther.