Wife and 9-year-old daughter of University of Wisconsin basketball coach killed in tragic car accident
An assistant basketball coach at the University of Wisconsin lost his wife and daughter in a deadly car crash on Saturday, and which left him and his son injured.
Howard Moore's wife Jennifer, 46, and 9-year-old daughter Jaidyn died after their vehicle was struck head-on just after 2 am by a car driving westbound in the eastbound lane on M-14. Michigan State Police further said that while Jaidyn died on the spot, her mother Jennifer, who was driving, was taken off life support and died of her injuries on Saturday.
Authorities further mentioned that the family's dog was also killed in the tragic accident. Howard and his 13-year-old son Jerell suffered non-life threatening injuries and are being treated at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, reports claim.
Police officials further stated that 23-year-old Samantha Winchester, who was the wrong-way driver of the car that struck the Moore family’s vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. A toxicology report is pending. Moreover, the car crash, which also injured another person in a third vehicle, remains under investigation.
A statement was issued by Wisconsin basketball coach Greg Gard, saying the program is “devastated” by the losses. “Our basketball program is an extremely close family and we are all grieving for the Moore and Barnes families. Howard is so much more than a colleague and coach,” the statement read.
“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.”
According to reports, Moore joined the Wisconsin Badgers for his second time as an assistant basketball coach in December 2015, after previously serving in the role from 2005-10. He reportedly graduated from the university in 1995, having played in 47 games for the Badgers during his time as a student.
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