Wednesday Night in Syracuse, New York Head Coach Jim Boeheim was driving Interstate 690 when he hit and killed a pedestrian. The Syracuse Head Coach attempted to avoid Jorge Jimenez, 51, who was a passenger in a car that had been involved in an accident. Alcohol and speed were not a cause for the accident the police determined.
Statement from Syracuse University Director of Athletics, John Wildhack: pic.twitter.com/GnlWrG8j2J
— Syracuse Athletics (@Cuse) February 21, 2019
Boeheim also released a statement following the tragedy. “I am heartbroken that a member of our community died as the result of last night’s accident,”. Boeheim was driving home from dinner with his wife after he coaches the Orange to a successful win over Louisville 69-49.
Statement from Jim Boeheim: pic.twitter.com/c9lNXXzvGN
— Syracuse Basketball (@Cuse_MBB) February 21, 2019
No citations were issued, but the police have stated that the investigation is still ongoing at this time. The community of Syracuse is shocked and saddened by this tragic event. They will now attempt to heal and move on and heal.
The Syracuse Orange have the rest of the ACC schedule to play with the ACC Tournament and a likely NCAA Tournament bid on the horizon. Boeheim and the team have five games remaining with three of them being against Duke, North Carolina, and Virginia. Moments like this can be devastating, but can also pull a community and a team together.
The Def Pen NCAA team’s thoughts are with the family of Jorge Jimenez and wish them the best during this heartbreaking time.
