Two freshman members of the Indiana State University football team were among three students who were killed in a weekend crash, officials said Monday.
Two other football team members who were injured in the crash were out of intensive care but remained hospitalized in serious condition, the university said in a statement.
The single-vehicle crash happened around 1:30 a.m. Sunday when the vehicle went off a state highway and struck a tree in the small town of Riley, about 10 miles from the university’s Terre Haute campus.
Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse said the vehicle was on fire when deputies arrived and the driver and two passengers were pronounced dead at the scene.
The sheriff’s department didn’t say who was driving or release additional details about the circumstances of the crash.
Those killed were identified as Christian Eubanks, 18, of Waukegan, Illinois; Jayden Musili, 19, of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and Caleb VanHooser, 19, of Liberty Township, Ohio, in the northern Cincinnati suburbs.
Eubanks was a freshman linebacker who went to Warren Township High School, and VanHooser was a freshman defensive back who went to Lakota East.
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
Musili was a sophomore who became an Indiana State student this year and wasn’t on the football team, the school said.
Those injured were Omarian Dixon, 20, of Lafayette, Indiana, a redshirt freshman running back; and John Moore, 19, of Wheaton, Illinois, a redshirt freshman linebacker.
University President Deborah J. Curtis called the crash a tragedy and said “the Sycamore family is mourning.”
Hundreds of students and others gathered Sunday evening outside the university’s football stadium for a vigil in honor of the crash victims.
Hundreds of ISU students, coaches & parents have gathered outside Memorial Stadium to support @IndStFB after this morning’s tragic accident. Head Coach Curt Mallory, Captain Dante Hendrix & Athletic Director Sherard Clinkscales delivered short but meaningful messages #Sports10 pic.twitter.com/C7v8LhIBIo
— Marty Ledbetter (@MartySports10) August 21, 2022
“It is a terrible day for Indiana State football and a devastating loss for both the Eubanks and the VanHooser families,” 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,” he said.
“Our continued prayers and support are with their families, friends, and teammates during this difficult time.”
Sherard Clinkscales, the school’s athletic director, said in a statement, “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,” Clinkscales said. “They will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go to each of their families.”
The Western Journal has reviewed this Associated Press story and may have altered it prior to publication to ensure that it meets our editorial standards.
