Photo: USW
Multiple people have been killed following a car crash in West Texas involving a pickup truck and a bus transporting the University of the Southwest’s golf teams.
The crash occurred Tuesday around 8:17 p.m., Texas Department of Public Safety Sgt. Steven Blancotold reportersfollowing the incident. Fatalities were reported in both vehicles.
Blanco also confirmed that the bus involved was carrying members of both the men’s and women’s golf teams from The University of Southwest — located in Hobbs, New Mexico — as they returned from a golf tournament. The cause of the crash is currently under investigation.
“It’s a very tragic scene,” Blanco said. “It’s very, very tragic.”
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PHOTO: AP News/YoutubePHOTO: AP News/Youtube
On Wednesday morning, the university’s Athletics Director Steve Appel confirmed to PEOPLE that the golf teams' head coach, Tyler James, and multiple student-athletes were among those killed.
James was in his first year as head coach at the private school, according to hisuniversity bio.
University of the Southwest
University of the Southwest President Quint Thurman shared his condolences on behalf of the college in a statement to PEOPLE in the wake of the tragedy.
“Two of the passengers are in critical condition undergoing medical treatment in Lubbock, Texas. USW is coordinating with Texas DPS to assist with the investigation and public information efforts,” he added.
The university president said that the school is contact with the families of the students and staff involved in the crash. Counseling services and the worship team will also be available on campus Wednesday for support.
“Please keep the families of students, coaching staff, and the USW community in your prayers as we come together to support one another during this difficult time,” Thurman said.
source: people.com
