Amherstview man critically injured in deadly crash in Texas
A young Amherstview man was one of two Canadians critically injured in a crash that took the lives of nine others in West Texas on Tuesday, Mar. 15, 2022.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, a pickup truck crossed the centre line of a road in Andrews County and crashed into a van carrying members of the men’s and women’s golf teams from the University of the Southwest.
The deceased have been identified as: Team coach Tyler James, 26, of Hobbs, New Mexico; and players Mauricio Sanchez, 19, of Mexico; Travis Garcia, 19, of Pleasanton, Texas; Jackson Zinn, 22, of Westminster, Colorado; Karisa Raines, 21, of Fort Stockton, Texas; Laci Stone, 18, of Nocona, Texas; and Tiago Sousa, 18, of Portugal.
Also killed in the crash were the occupants of the truck: Henrich Siemans, 38, of Seminole County, Texas, and a 13-year-old boy who had been traveling with him.
Critically injured in the crash were Canadian students Hayden Underhill, 20, of Amherstview, Ontario, and Dayton Price, 19, of Mississauga, Ontario.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has said it is investigating the crash.
The University of the Southwest issued a statement following the crash. “The USW campus community is shocked and saddened today as we mourn the loss of members of our university family. Last night, the men’s and women’s golf teams were traveling back to campus from competition in Midland, Texas, when their bus was struck by oncoming traffic. Nine passengers, including the coach, were on the university bus involved in the fatal accident. While the accident investigation is still underway, reports indicate that seven passengers aboard the bus were killed in the crash. Two of the passengers are in critical condition undergoing medical treatment in Lubbock, Texas. USW is coordinating with Texas DPS to assist with the investigation and public information efforts. University administration is communicating with families of the students and coaching staff to provide more information as it becomes available.
USW, a private Christian university, says that counseling staff and the worship team will be available on campus to provide support for students, faculty, and staff. “Please keep the families of students, coaching staff, and the USW community in your prayers as we come together to support one another during this difficult time.”
A GoFundMe has been set up for Hayden, to assist his family in covering medical and other associated costs. “Hayden was airlifted to a nearby hospital where he is in critical condition. His family is on their way to be by his side, but know it is going to be a rough time not understanding Hayden’s complete condition,” said organizers Laurie and David Kerr. “We want to relieve some of Kenny, Wendy and Drew’s financial burden as they face travel, lodging, meals, medical, and many other unknown expenses. We appreciate any amount you can contribute to Hayden’s road to recovery.”