Two college basketball players killed in car accident

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share via Email
• Copy Link

  Link Copied

Two women’s basketball players for Texas A&M-Commerce were killed in a car accident Tuesday night, the university announced on its website.

Aubree Butts, 20, and her teammate Devin Oliver, 21, were passengers in a four-door sedan carrying them and two other teammates. The sedan was struck by an 18-wheel tractor-trailer around 6:30 p.m, CT.

La’Tisha Hearne and Zenobia Winbush were also in the car and injured, but both survived. Hearne, 21, was driving the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Texas A&M Commerce Athletic Director Ryan Ivey released the following statement:

We continue to mourn the loss of two wonderful individuals. Accidents like this are never easy for anyone involved, and we continue to pray and console everyone who has been touched by these wonderful people. The outpouring of love and support from colleagues and athletic departments from around the country is nothing short of amazing. We continue to ask for everyone’s thoughts and prayers during this time of need.

The university is planning a candlelight vigil to remember Butts and Oliver Wednesday night at 9:00 pm, CT. Winbush and Hearne were listed in critical condition before being released from the hospital.

The university’s president, Dan R. Jones, said the following:

This is an unspeakable tragedy and a loss that is felt by the entire university community, made more grievous by the dreams that will not be fulfilled. Our prayers go out to the loved ones of those we have lost.

Both Ivey’s and Jones’ statements were posted on the university’s website.

According to school officials who spoke to KETK, all four students are “high-profile leaders on campus and serve on student organization and leadership roles outside of their athletics.”

The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation, according to Paris Police Chief Bob Hundley.

The university’s official Twitter feed is encouraging students to use hashtags #WeAreLions and #LionStrong to support Aubree and Oliver.

Click here to read more about this tragedy from KXAS