A football player from Waukegan was among three Indiana State University students who died Sunday in a single-vehicle crash in Indiana, school officials announced.
Christian Eubanks, Jayden Musili and Caleb VanHooser died early Sunday morning in a one-car crash in Vigo County, Indiana.
Eubanks, 18, was a freshman from Waukegan, and VanHooser, 19, was a freshman from Liberty Township, Ohio.
Eubanks and VanHooser were football players for Indiana State University.
Eubanks, who was a graduate of Warren Township High School in Gurnee, was majoring in business administration at the university.
Musili, 19, was a sophomore from Fort Wayne, Indiana. He was part of the Pathway to Blue program and became an ISU student this year, the university said.
“There are no words to express the depth of our sadness about this tragedy,” ISU President Dr. Deborah Curtis said.
“We send our condolences to the family and friends of the students involved. The Sycamore family is mourning and will support each other in this time of grief,” Curtis said.
Law enforcement said there were a total of five people in the car.
The two surviving victims are ISU football players Omarion Dixon and John Moore.
They are out of intensive care but still in serious condition, the university said.
The football team did not practice Monday. ISU student-athletes gathered Sunday night at Memorial Stadium to mourn the tragedy.
“My heart is broken at the loss of these three souls,” said Sherard Clinkscales, Director of Athletics.
“Life is so precious, and it is very difficult to comprehend when tragic events like this happen. They will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go to each of their families,” Clinkscales said.
Head football coach Curt Mallory said the loss of Eubanks and VanHooser is “devasting” for both of their families.
“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,” Mallory said.
The school said that counseling services are being made available to students, faculty and staff.