Senior Hunter Hinze unexpectedly passed away May 1. Hinze accidentally drowned after having a seizure in a pool. Hinze, who had autism, was recently featured on an RNN package celebrating Autism Awareness Month.

“Hunter, he could talk, and a lot of people didn’t know that,” Special Programs Coordinator Helen Cochran said. “I liked to walk into the room and say, ‘Good morning Hunter,’ and he would look me in the eyes and say ‘Good morning’ back.”

The service was held May 5 at RockPointe Church. At the funeral, Principal John Graham presented Hinze’s high school diploma to his parents.

According to Hinze’s obituary, “Hunter loved anything dealing with Disney, swimming long hours, golf-carting, riding his horse Atoka, jumping on the trampoline, getting everyone’s attention with his infectious laughter, and getting tickles.”

The family has requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Special Needs Ministry at RockPointe Church in Leander.