Indiana State University announced Sunday morning that three Indiana State students were killed in an early morning single-vehicle crash.
Police said a total of five people were in the vehicle, according to the ISU statement.
“This is a terrible tragedy,” ISU President Dr. Deborah J. Curtis said in a university news release. “As we await additional details from authorities investigating this accident, our hearts go out to the families and friends of the students involved.”
The ISU statement said there were “several” football players involved. Later Sunday, one of the students killed was identified as freshman defensive end Caleb VanHooser.
The Liberty Township, Ohio, native was identified as one of the slain in a social media post by his high school, Lakota East, in the Cincinnati area.
It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Caleb VanHooser, former senior Hawk and Indiana State football player who was called home to heaven this morning. We will never forget your contributions to our program. RIP #2. We love you. pic.twitter.com/cV5gh8ysJA
— Lakota East Football (@hawksfootball12) August 21, 2022
The other victims of the accident have not yet been publicly identified.
According to the Vigo County Sheriff’s report released to the media, the crash occurred on Indiana 46 at Main Street in Riley in southeast Vigo County.
The vehicle involved left the road and hit a tree. When deputies arrived, the vehicle was on fire. Two occupants were freed from the vehicle, but the driver and two other occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.
My heart goes out to the families and friends of the Indiana State University students who were tragically killed in a car accident early today. I am praying for the entire ISU community.
— Larry Bucshon, MD (@RepLarryBucshon) August 21, 2022
Counseling services are available to students, faculty and staff at 812-237-3939.
This story will be updated.
