Gov. Greg Abbott offered condolences to neighbor New Mexico on Wednesday (March 16) after a two-vehicle collision in Andrews County claimed the lives of nine people, including seven members of a collegiate golf program. In a statement issued by his office, Abbott, a Republican, mourned the victims of the crash.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reported that the accident killed six members and the head coach of the University of the Southwest (USW) golf program. Authorities added that the occupants of the other vehicle involved also perished, Midland CBS affiliate KWES reported.
"We grieve with the loved ones of the individuals whose lives were horrifically taken too soon in this fatal vehicle crash near Andrews last night (March 15)," the governor said in the statement. "The Texas Department of Public Safety is working closely with local officials to investigate this accident, and we offer our full support to the University of the Southwest and the state of New Mexico. I ask Texans to join Cecilia and me in praying for the families of those whose lives were lost and for the recovery of two critically injured students."
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick also issued a statement in response to the crash, according to KWES.
"Our hearts go out to the families of the victims and the entire University of the Southwest community during this difficult time," Patrick, a Republican, said in the statement released by his office. "During tragedies such as this one, Texans also know to thank our brave first responders for their important work and dedication to Texas communities."
The victims were headed home to Hobbs, New Mexico from a tournament in Midland at the time of the incident, KWES reported.
The Ford passenger van that carried them was struck by a Dodge 2500 pickup truck on FM 1788 north of State Highway 115 for reasons unknown, authorities told the station.
Midland College President Dr. Steve Thomas expressed his condolences to USW in a statement and ordered all flags on campus to be lowered half-staff through Friday (March 18).
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, said in a tweet that she was "deeply saddened" by the events of March 15.
"This is a terrible, tragic accident. My prayers are with the loved ones of all those involved," she wrote.
Andrews County is about 50 miles from Hobbs.
KWES reported that authorities confirmed the identities of the USW golf team members who died in the crash: Mauricio Sanchez, 19, of Mexico; Travis Garcia, 19, of Pleasanton in South Texas; Jackson Zinn, 22, Westminster, Colorado; Karissa Raines, 21, of Fort Stockton in West Texas; Laci Stone, 18, of Nocona in North Texas; and Tiago Sousa, 18, of Portugal.
Authorities identified Tyler James as the lone USW faculty member who died.
James was the head coach of the men's and women's programs.
The people in the truck – 38-year-old Henrich Siemens and an unidentified 13-year-old boy – were also killed, authorities told KWES.
At least two students have been hospitalized in Lubbock.
According to KWES, Dayton Price was airlifted to UMC while Hayden Underhill was transported to Covenant.
They reportedly have been in critical condition, the station reported.
KWES reported that the University of Texas-Permian Basin in Odessa has invited the public to sign a support banner to USW, as well as offered counseling services to students impacted by the accident.