COMMERCE, Texas -- Two Texas A&M-Commerce players have died and two others were hurt in a two-car crash in northeast Texas.
A university statement says sophomore guard Aubree Butts of Lewisville and junior guard Devin Oliver of Rowlett died in the Tuesday crash on Loop 286 in Paris. Junior forward La'Tisha Hearne of Richardson and sophomore guard Zenobia Winbush of Schertz were injured but discharged from a hospital Wednesday."This is an unspeakable tragedy and a loss that is felt by the entire university community, made moreĀ grievousĀ by the dreams that will not be fulfilled. Our prayers go out to the loved ones of those we have lost," A&M-Commerce president Dan R. Jones said.
All four of the students are high-profile leaders on campus and serve in student organization and leadership roles outside of their athletic activities and are highly regarded."We continue to mourn the loss of two wonderful individuals," A&M-Commerce athletic director Ryan Ivey said. "Accidents like this are never easy for anyone involved, and we continue to pray and console everyone who has been touched by these wonderful people. The outpouring of love and support from colleagues and athletic departments from around the country is nothing short of amazing. We continue to ask for everyone's thoughts and prayers during this time of need."
Last season, Butts averaged 19.9 minutes and 6.0 points on .354 shooting in 27 games, including 14 starts. Oliver averaged 25.6 minutes and 10.3 points on .317 shooting in 27 games, all starts. Hearne averaged 22.7 minutes and 7.8 points on .419 shooting in 23 games, including 17 starts. Winbush averaged 10.8 minutes and 3.2 points on .301 shooting in 22 games.
Texas A&M-Commerce Athletics contributed to this report.