UPDATE: The National Transportation Safety Board investigation has announced findings that reveal the driver of the pickup truck that crashed head-on into a transit van carrying members of the University of the Southwest’s golf teams was 13 years old. Local laws state that citizens must be at least 14 years old in Texas before obtaining a learning permit to drive.
NTSA vice chairman Bruce Landsberg clarified that and other info about the accident, calling it a “high-speed collision” in a 75 mph zone. He also noted that the front left tire had been blown out prior to impact.
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Multiple people have died in a two-vehicle accident in West Texas involving the members of the men’s and women’s golf teams at the University of the Southwest.
According to local authorities and school officials, at least six members of the teams have been killed, as well as the coach, and the driver of the second vehicle. Two surviving members of the teams have been air-lifted to a nearby hospital in Lubbock, Texas, and were listed in critical condition.
“It’s a very tragic scene. Very, very tragic,” Sgt. Steven Blanco of the Texas Dept. of Public Safety said to reporters on the scene.
The teams were competing in an event in Midland, Texas, and were on their way home Tuesday evening when the collision occurred, around 8 p.m. just east of the town of Andrews, near the Texas border with New Mexico. According to authorities, the second vehicle in the accident crossed into the northbound, oncoming traffic, and struck the passenger van carrying the team head-on, causing the vehicles to catch fire. Two people were traveling in the second vehicle. Both died during the accident, which is still under investigation.
“We are still learning the details about the accident but we are devastated and deeply saddened to learn about the loss of students’ lives and their coach,” Quint Thurman, the university president, said in a statement.
— USW (@USW_HobbsNM) March 16, 2022
USW’s coach was identified as Tyler James, who was in his first year coaching both teams. He was 26.
Midland University, which was hosting the TankLogix Invitational, has canceled play of Wednesday’s final round. In honor of those lost in the accident, the names and scores of the USW team were the only ones left up on the scoreboard.
“All of the players and their coaches from the participating schools met together early this morning,” Midland athletic director Forrest Allen said. “We were all shocked to learn of this tragedy, and our thoughts and prayers are with USW as they grieve this terrible loss. I have talked with USW’s Athletic Director Steve Appel to let him know that all Midland College athletic team players and coaches are ready to help in any way during this time.”
