Football world in mourning after college players killed in crash
The world of college football has been rocked by tragedy after two players from Indiana State University were among three students killed in a crash over the weekend.
Freshman Christian Eubanks, 18, and Caleb VanHooser, 19, died in the crash, as did Jayden Musili, 19.
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The university said in a statement that two other members of the football team who were injured in the crash - Omarion Dixon and John Moore - were out of intensive care but remained hospitalised in serious condition.
Our deepest thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to the families and everyone involved in this tragic accident.
We send our thoughts and prayers to Caleb and Christian's family, friends and teammates during this difficult time.https://t.co/xgM8T1tJyp pic.twitter.com/i3OgRc8Adl— Indiana State Football (@IndStFB) August 22, 2022
The single-vehicle crash happened around 1:30am on Sunday when the vehicle went off a state highway and struck a tree in the small town of Riley, about 16 kilometres from the university's Terre Haute campus.
Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse said the vehicle was on fire when deputies arrived and that the driver and two passengers were pronounced dead at the scene.
"It is a terrible day for Indiana State football and a devastating loss for both the Eubanks and the VanHooser families,” coach Curt Mallory said in a statement.
“Both young men were quality individuals who were loved and respected by their teammates and this staff. To say they will be missed is an understatement.
"Our continued prayers and support are with their families, friends, and teammates during this difficult time."
We are on the scene of the tragic crash that took the lives of three Indiana State University football players in Riley, IN. Two others are currently in the hospital following that crash. We will have more at 5 and 6 on @WISH_TV pic.twitter.com/pnT5MJqOLi
— Danielle Zulkosky (@DZulkosky) August 22, 2022
Devastating scenes after college players killed in crash
VanHooser was a defensive back and wide receiver from Liberty Township, Ohio.
Eubanks was a linebacker from Waukegan, Illinois, while Musili was a sophomore from Fort Wayne, Indiana.
Dixon is a redshirt freshman running back, and Moore is a redshirt freshman linebacker.
"My heart is broken at the loss of these three souls," athletic director Sherard Clinkscales said in a statement.
"Life is so precious, and it is very difficult to comprehend when tragic events like this happen.
"They will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go to each of their families."
On Sunday evening, hundreds of students and others gathered outside the university's football stadium for a vigil in honour of the crash victims.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and the entire Indiana State community. https://t.co/ZRV9wD3w3e
— Missouri Valley Conference (@MVCsports) August 21, 2022
Absolutely heartbreaking news as @indianastate mourns the loss of 3 people, all believed to be students, killed in a crash.
Thinking of these students families, friends & the ISU community. https://t.co/W2VIWA0JOg— Alia Blackburn (@AliaBonTV) August 21, 2022
It is with heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Caleb VanHooser, former Hawk great, and Indiana State football player who was called home to Heaven early this morning. We will never forget his contributions to our program. RIP#2. We love you. pic.twitter.com/cV5gh8ysJA
— Lakota East Football (@hawksfootball12) August 21, 2022
Devastated💔….praying for my Indiana State family 🙏🏾
— Trez (@RLM__4) August 21, 2022
with agencies
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