Sam Amico
Three Indiana State University students died and two others were injured in a fiery car crash that took place in Riley, Ind., per the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office. According to the school, the accident involved several members of the football team.
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The sheriff’s office listed the victims as 18-year-old Christian Eubanks of Waukegan, Illinois, and 19-year-olds Caleb VanHooser of Liberty Township, Ohio, and Jayden Musili of Fort Wayne, Indiana.
The two injured victims have been identified as 20-year-old Omarian Dixon, of Lafayette, Indiana, and 19-year-old John Moore of Wheaton, Illinois.
“This is a terrible tragedy,” ISU President Dr. Deborah J. Curtis said in a statement. “As we are waiting on additional details from authorities investigating this accident, our hearts go out to the families and friends of the students involved.”
Vigo Country Sheriff’s Office
Eubanks was a freshman on the football team. He compiled a team-high 59 tackles and a forced fumble during his senior season at Warren Township. Moore and Dixon also play for the Sycamores. According to the Indianapolis Star, they are out of intensive care but remained in serious condition as of Monday afternoon.
“It is a terrible day for Indiana State football and a devastating loss for both the Eubanks and the VanHooser families,” Indiana State football 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.”
ISU athletic director Sherard Clinkscales added: “My heart is broken at the loss of these three souls. 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.”
Indiana State held a vigil on campus on Sunday, while tributes poured in from the high schools of those involved in the accident.
“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,” read a Tweet from Lakota East football. “We will never forget his contributions to our program. RIP#2. We love you.”
Counseling services have been made available to those impacted by the wreck, the school said.
The Sycamores are scheduled to open the season at home vs. North Alabama on Sept. 1. They did not practice on Monday, the Star reported.
