Douglas County, Ore. – Two members of Umpqua Community College’s (UCC) softball program were tragically killed in a car accident on Friday evening while returning from a game in Coos Bay, the college confirmed in a statement on Saturday morning. Several other individuals, including students and staff, were injured in the incident and remain hospitalized.
According to Umpqua Community College, the accident occurred on the evening of April 18, as the group was traveling back from the away game. The college confirmed that the victims included one student-athlete and one coach. Their identities have not been released as of Saturday afternoon.
“We are deeply saddened to confirm that one of our student-athletes and one of our coaches lost their lives in the accident,” the statement read. “Additional staff and students remain in local area hospitals. UCC hearts are breaking with this news, and we ask the community to keep the families and all of those affected in their thoughts and prayers.”
The cause of the crash has not been officially disclosed, and local authorities are investigating the incident. The names of the victims and details surrounding the accident remain under wraps as the college works to provide support to those impacted.
In the wake of the tragedy, Umpqua Community College has extended its condolences to the families of the deceased and those injured. Support services have been made available to students, staff, and their families, helping them cope with the emotional and psychological toll this incident has caused.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and our hearts go out to everyone affected,” the statement continued. “UCC will continue to support those impacted by this tragic event in the days and weeks ahead.”
The accident has shaken the close-knit UCC community, and many have rallied around the college’s athletes, staff, and their families during this time of grief.
Authorities are expected to release more details as the investigation progresses.