Three young men, likely Indiana State University students, died in a catastrophic vehicle accident on Sunday.
Based on a release from the Vigo County Sheriff’s Office, five individuals were inside the car early on Sunday morning when it ran off the road and struck a tree on State Road 46 Main Street in Riley, Indiana.
The vehicle caught fire before the arrival of emergency personnel at the scene.
Officials reported that the driver and two passengers were among the three victims who were declared dead at the scene. A medical facility got two other patients who had been injured “seriously.”
Moreover, one of the victims was 19-year-old Caleb VanHooser.
Who Was Caleb VanHooser From Liberty Township Ohio?
VanHooser, a footballer from Liberty Township, Ohio, played defensive back and wide receiver at 26-mile-away Lakota East High School.
In January, the Cincinnati Enquirer selected him for the First-Team Fall All-Stars. He competed in track for the Thunderhwaks, and on July 3, 2021, he revealed his desire to play football at Indiana State.
Although the institution has not published further details, it stated that a car collided on Sunday morning and included five students.
In a statement, Indiana State President Dr. Deborah J. Curtis remarked, “This is a horrible tragedy.” While we wait for more information from the authorities looking into this accident, our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the children affected.”
On Sunday, members of the Indiana State football team and the university community paid their respects.
Also Read: Who Is Christian Eubanks From Indiana State University? Sycamores Footballer Lost His Life To A Tragic Accident
ISU Freshman’s Parents: The Family Members Confirmed His Death
Although the names of Caleb VanHooser’s parents are uncertain, the news outlets claimed that his family members affirmed the news about his death.
Basically, the VanHooser family must be in a terrible spot following the death of their beloved son at such a young age of 19.
In contrast, Rich Bryant, the former director of athletics at VanHooser, claimed to ABC affiliate WCPO-TV that the young fellow “had that smile” and “was constantly lightening a room.”
Bryant remarked to the source that the deceased “was a good all-around who always had a smile on his face.” “His work ethic was extraordinary. Caleb was well-known to everyone.”
Freshman Avoided Insta But Was Active On FB
ISU freshman Caleb was active on Facebook, where he goes by his real name Caleb VanHooser. In that account, he has a total of 230 friends, and his most recent post was about his Indiana football match.
In the post, Caleb can be seen wearing football attire and a helmet with jersey number 2.
Moreover, his profile claims that he worked at Hollister Co. and lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
In Other News: ISU Sycamores Football Player Jayden Musili Died In Horrible Car Accident: Where Is His Family Today?
Obituary: The 19-Year-Old Died In Fiery Car Accident On Sunday
Obituaries and condolences have recently been making their way across the internet in response to the news of the unfortunate death of the ISU student.
Five people, including several football players, were in the car when it collided; the vehicle ran off the road and was struck by a tree.
Lakota East Football conveys their sadness on Twitter by writing:
“It is with heavy sorrow that we grieve the loss of Caleb VanHooser, former Hawk great and Indiana State football player, who was hauled away to Heaven early this morning. His contributions to our program will always be remembered.”
Moreover, Lakota East head coach Rick Haynes met the team on Sunday afternoon, and a memorial service to VanHooser is scheduled before Friday’s game against Lakota West.
Fellow Student Christian Eubanks Was Also Killed In The Crash
The other two students killed in the incident, per details released by the university on Monday morning, were Christian Eubanks and sophomore Jayden Musili.
Per People, Eubanks was a freshman just like Caleb, while Musili was a sophomore enrolling at Indiana State for the first time.
Omarian Dixon, 20, of Lafayette, Indiana, and John Moore, 19, of Wheaton, Illinois, both injured, have been named as the two victims.
In a statement released by the university on Sunday, it was stated that all of the victims were thought to be ISU students, “including many football players.”
Many people came together at Memorial Stadium to pay their condolences after learning about VanHooser’s demise on social media. Per TMZ, they were all wearing blue and white attire.