Two Indiana State University football players were killed in a single-vehicle accident a few miles from campus during the weekend, the school confirmed Monday.
Christian Eubanks, 18, and Caleb VanHooser, 19 — both freshmen on the Sycamores football team — were among five people in a car that crashed early Sunday morning in Riley, Indiana. One other student, Jayden Musili, was killed and the other two, football players Omarion Dixon and John Moore, were hospitalized in serious condition.
“It is a terrible day for Indiana State football and a devastating loss for both the Eubanks and the VanHooser families,” head football coach Curt Mallory said in a statement issued by the university.
“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.”
VanHooser played defensive back and wide receiver at East Lakota High School in Liberty Township, Ohio.
Eubanks was a linebacker from Warren Township High School and a native of Waukegan, Illinois.
Both had just finished their first week of classes and were weeks away from their season opener.
Indiana State student-athletes gathered for a vigil Sunday night at Memorial Stadium and the football team canceled practice on Monday in the wake of the tragedy.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Two Indiana State football players among three killed in car crash