The wife and daughter of men’s basketball assistant coach Howard Moore were killed in a Michigan automobile accident, The University of Wisconsin said. (Twitter)
The University of Wisconsin said Sunday that the wife and daughter of men’s basketball assistant coach Howard Moore were killed in a Michigan automobile accident.
Moore’s wife, Jennifer, and daughter, Jaidyn, were killed early Saturday in the crash on the M-14 highway in Washtenaw County’s Superior Township, the department said.
“There are no words to describe how devastated we are for Howard and his family,” Wisconsin coach Greg Gard said. “Our basketball program is an extremely close family and we are all grieving.”
Samantha Winchester of Ann Arbor was traveling west in the eastbound lanes of the Detroit-area freeway when she struck a car head-on that was carrying the Moore family, Michigan State Police Lt. Darren Green said. The 23-year-old woman and Jaidyn died at the scene, authorities said.
Moore suffered third-degree burns but his injuries were not considered life-threatening, and his son, Jerell, had minor injuries, Green said. Both are expected to recover.
“Howard is so much more than a colleague and coach,” Gard said. “He and Jen and their children are dear friends to everyone they meet. Their positivity and energy lift up those around them. We will miss Jen and Jaidyn dearly and we will put our arms around Howard and Jerell and the entire family, giving them love and support during this unspeakable time.”
Moore, a Chicago native, played at Wisconsin from 1990-95 and was head coach at Illinois-Chicago before returning to his alma mater during the 2015-16 season.
“I’ve known Howard ever since he was a student-athlete at Wisconsin and gotten to know his wonderful family through the years,” athletic director Barry Alvarez said. “He has always been an incredible representative of our athletic department and a positive influence on everyone around him. We are truly heart-broken for his family and will be doing everything possible to help him through this tragic time. Our prayers, love and support go out to the Moore and Barnes family.”
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