The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has reported that a two-vehicle accident in Andrews County last night (March 15) claimed the lives of nine people, including members of a university golf team from New Mexico. Authorities said, according to ESPN, that the accident killed seven people affiliated with the University of the Southwest (USW) golf program.
ESPN reported that USW's men's and women's golf teams were on their way home to Hobbs, New Mexico from a tournament in Midland when the van carrying the members and staff was struck by a pickup truck. DPS Sergeant Steven Blanco told the network that the truck in question crossed the center line of the two-lane road and crashed into the van.
USW athletic director Steve Appel issued a statement expressing gratitude for the "outpouring of support" the university has received since the crash.
Appel acknowledged in the statement the "huge hurdle" the accident presented but vowed that the university will band together to navigate the tough times ahead.
"USW is a tight-knit family, and I am confident we will work together to get through this," Appel said. "We have amazing people and students here, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else to get through something like this. Please continue to pray for our families, students, coaches, staff, campus and community as we get through this difficult time."
Midland CBS affiliate KWES reported that the collision occurred at 8:17 p.m. on FM 1788 north of State Highway 115.
Authorities told the station that the reasons the Dodge 2500 pickup veered into the Ford passenger van used by USW are unknown.
The truck's driver and passenger were also killed.
At least two students have been hospitalized in Lubbock.
Authorities confirmed the identity of the lone faculty member killed in the crash as Tyler James, head coach of both programs, KWES reported.
According to the station, James drove the team van at the time of accident.
The mother of Laci Stone confirmed the student's death to Dallas ABC affiliate WFAA.
The identities of the rest of the deceased haven't been confirmed by DPS, KWES reported.