Boy to be missed for many talents

Alex Betzhold did many things and did them well.

In a town where everybody knows everybody, the Argyle teenager stood out for his intellect and talent in sports and music, said Scott Gibson, Argyle Middle School principal.

Alex Betzhold

Alex, 13, who died unexpectedly at home Tuesday morning, was a straight-A honors student who played football, basketball and trumpet at the school. He also excelled at University Interscholastic League "number sense" math contests.

"We're pretty successful in a lot of things, and to have a seventh-grader who can do all those things is pretty special," Gibson said. "He's going to be sorely missed."

The medical examiner's office had not yet ruled on a cause of death, but it was believed to be tied to a medical condition.

The news spread quickly among the student body before classes began Tuesday. School officials set up a "safe room" for students to meet with counselors throughout the day.

"The students are very saddened, as are the staff members," Argyle school district Superintendent Telena Wright said. "He was a very special student."

School officials were considering holding a candlelight vigil, but no decisions had been made. Funeral arrangements were pending.

Alex was an offensive and defensive lineman in football and was playing post in basketball this year, said Nick Price, his coach and math teacher. He played in Thursday's win against Whitesboro and showed no signs of poor health, Price said.

"This was a shock to everyone," he said.

Price remembered Alex as a bright student, especially in math and science. He might be quiet with strangers but quickly warmed up to people he knew, Price said.

"He was just this big, fun-loving kid," he said. "He got along with everyone. Nobody had a problem with him. That's why it's going to be harder on a lot of these kids because he was friends with so many of them."

Alex's mother, Mary Betzhold, is a math teacher at Argyle High School. Other survivors include his father, Steve Betzhold, and sisters Claire and Sophie.

The Betzholds are members of Argyle United Methodist Church. Church leaders were consoling the family at their home Tuesday afternoon, associate pastor Joe Stobaugh said.

"They're one of the most wonderful families we have," Stobaugh said. "The whole community is deeply grieving."

LOWELL BROWN can be reached at 940-566-6882. His e-mail address is lmbrown@dentonrc.com.