The names of three Indiana State University students killed in a single-vehicle accident early Sunday morning have been released.
The Vigo County Sheriff’s Office identified the victims as 18-year-old Christian Eubanks of Waukegan, Illinois, and 19-year-olds Caleb VanHooser, of Liberty Township, Ohio, and Jayden Musili of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Eubanks and VanHooser were members of the university’s football team.
Twenty-year-old Omarian Dixon, of Lafayette, Indiana, and 19-year-old John Moore of Wheaton, Illinois, were also injured in the crash. Both young men were also ISU football players.
The two injured men are reportedly out of intensive care but remain in serious condition.
The football team did not practice on Monday. A gathering of ISU student-athletes was held at the university’s Memorial Stadium on Sunday night following the accident.
“It is a terrible day for Indiana State football and a devastating loss for both the Eubanks and the VanHooser 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,” head football coach Curt Mallory said, according to the Terre Haute Tribune Star.
VanHooser’s high school football team at Lakota East also shared a statement following the announcement of the loss of its former star athlete.
“It is with heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Caleb VanHooser, former Hawk great, and Indiana State football player who was called home to Heaven early this morning. We will never forget his contributions to our program. RIP#2. We love you,” the team’s account wrote.
It is with heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Caleb VanHooser, former Hawk great, and Indiana State football player who was called home to Heaven early this morning. We will never forget his contributions to our program. RIP#2. We love you. pic.twitter.com/cV5gh8ysJA
— Lakota East Football (@hawksfootball12) August 21, 2022
Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse released information regarding the accident in a statement on Sunday.
“The vehicle had left the roadway and struck a tree. Upon deputies [sic] arrival, the vehicle, occupied by a driver and four passengers, was on fire,” he wrote. “Two of the occupants were able to be freed from the vehicle and were transported for medical treatment with serious injuries. Unfortunately, the driver and two other occupants were pronounced deceased on the scene.”
As The Daily Wire reported on Sunday, the accident happened on Indiana Highway 46 near Main Street in Riley, a small town about 10 miles from Terre Haute, where the university is located. The vehicle left the roadway and struck a large tree before bursting into flames. The accident is currently under investigation.
Rep. Larry Bucshon (R-IN), the area’s U.S. House representative, also shared a statement on Twitter following the tragedy.
My heart goes out to the families and friends of the Indiana State University students tragically killed in a car crash early today. I am praying for the entire ISU community.
— Larry Bucshon, MD (@RepLarryBucshon) August 21, 2022
“My heart goes out to the families and friends of the Indiana State University students tragically killed in a car crash early today. I am praying for the entire ISU community,” he wrote.