Caleb VanHooser, Indiana State football player from Lakota East HS, killed in crash
Caleb VanHooser, a former Lakota East High School football standout and freshman defensive back at Indiana State University, was among three people killed in a single-vehicle accident early Sunday a few miles from the school's Terre Haute campus in Riley, Indiana, family members confirmed.
VanHooser played wide receiver and defensive back and ran track for the Thunderhawks.
A release from the university's athletics department said five people were in the vehicle when it crashed, including several football players. The vehicle left the roadway and hit a tree. It was on fire when deputies arrived, according to investigators.
From Lakota East Football via Twitter:
It is with heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Caleb VanHooser, former Hawk great, and Indiana State football player who was called home to Heaven early this morning. We will never forget his contributions to our program. RIP#2. We love you. pic.twitter.com/cV5gh8ysJA
— Lakota East Football (@hawksfootball12) August 21, 2022
One of my favorite memories of Caleb at last year’s Homecoming dance, dressed as character from Hamilton. pic.twitter.com/eEGAvpXI6b
— Lakota East Football (@hawksfootball12) August 22, 2022
From Sycamores receiver and former Cooper High School standout Dante Hendrix via Twitter:
Heartbreaking news to wake up to. Life is precious. Thoughts and prayers to all the families affected by this tragedy. Fly high fellas 💙 https://t.co/VkACtlY2il
— Dante Hendrix (@D_Hendrix8) August 21, 2022
From Lakota schools superintendent Matt Miller via Twitter:
Thinking of Caleb, his family, and his friends from East - and beyond. https://t.co/djTUIlMqIw
— Matt Miller (@LakotaSuper) August 21, 2022
Lakota East head coach Rick Haynes met Sunday afternoon with the team, and a tribute to VanHooser is planned before Friday's game against Lakota West.
Also killed in the accident were Christian Eubanks, 18, of Waukegan, Illinois; and Jayden Musili, 19, of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Eubanks was a freshman linebacker for the Sycamores.
Omarion Davis, a redshirt freshman running back for the Sycamores from Harrison High School in Lafayette, Indiana, was injured in the accident.
ISU redshirt freshman linebacker John Moore, 19, of Wheaton, Illinois, was injured as well.
From @HHS_Raider_FB:
As many of you know, Omarion was involved in a major accident over night. He is out of surgery and still needs all of the prayers he can get.
Fight on, O. You got this, 47. 🔹🔸— HHS Raider Football (@HHS_Raider_FB) August 21, 2022
From Vigo County Sheriff John Plasse:
On 08-21-2022 at 1:34am, deputies responded to a single vehicle crash on St Rd 46 at Main St in Riley IN. The vehicle had left the roadway and struck a tree. Upon deputies arrival, the vehicle, occupied by a driver and four passengers, was on fire. Two of the occupants were able to be freed from the vehicle and were transported for medical treatment with serious injuries. Unfortunately, the driver and two other occupants were pronounced deceased on the scene. Several agencies responded to assist with the scene. The investigation is ongoing. Our thoughts and prayers are with all involved.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Caleb VanHooser, Indiana State football player, killed in crash
