Three members of Southern College's marching band, often known as the Human Jukebox, have been killed in a crash with an 18-wheeler, a college spokesperson confirmed Wednesday. Police stated the victims have been attempting to alter a flat tire once they have been fatally struck by the truck.
Louisiana State Police Grasp Trooper Casey Wallace informed information retailers the two-vehicle crash occurred Tuesday evening within the Natchitoches space and confirmed three individuals died within the collision. State police recognized the victims Wednesday as Broderick Moore, 19, of Cedar Hill, Texas; Tyran Williams, 19, of Dallas; and Dylan Younger, 21, additionally of Dallas.
Two of the scholars have been tuba gamers, the opposite was a percussionist, Southern College's Director of Bands Kedric Taylor stated.
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Workplace described the collision as a "main crash." It occurred round 7:40 p.m. on I-49 northbound close to Powhatan, a village within the parish, the sheriff's workplace stated.
State police stated the scholars have been in a Jeep that was stalled on the interstate's northbound shoulder. They have been trying to alter a flat tire when the tractor-trailer drifted onto the shoulder, hit the Jeep's left aspect and the victims, who have been pronounced useless on scene.
The truck's driver, a 62-year-old man, was sporting a seatbelt and sustained no accidents, investigators stated. Routine toxicology assessments are pending because the investigation into the crash continued, state police stated.
Zion Wilson, a Southern College graduate who performed within the marching band with Younger, informed CBS affiliate WAFB-TV he was puzzled.
"It is like dropping an actual sibling on the finish of the day," he informed the station.
Southern College President-Chancellor Dennis Shields provided condolences to the victims' households and associates in addition to to the varsity neighborhood.
"I do know that the sudden lack of a classmate or good friend could be devastating," he stated in an announcement. "I encourage you to achieve out to somebody you belief to speak about your emotions. Know that the College Counseling Heart can be right here to help you."
LSU President Dennis Shields despatched a message to the workers, college students and households on the college, sharing his condolences, WAFB reported.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards additionally posted condolences on social media.