University of the Southwest provost said memorial planned for students who died in crash

Claudia L Silva, Carlsbad Current-Argus
·2 min read
University of the Southwest Provost Dr. Ryan Tipton met with the press on March 17, to give an update on the students that died in a crash on March 15, near Andrews, Texas.
University of the Southwest Provost Dr. Ryan Tipton met with the press on March 17, to give an update on the students that died in a crash on March 15, near Andrews, Texas.

The University of the Southwest (USW) held a press conference on Thursday to give an update on the crash that killed nine people in Andrews, Texas.

The death of the University of the Southwest's head golf coach Tyler James and six students — Mauricio Sanchez, Travis Garcia, Jackson Zinn, Karissa Raines, Lacy Stone and Tiago Sousa — sent shockwaves throughout the tight-knit community of Hobbs, New Mexico.

Provost Dr. Ryan Tipton said he has been in contact with the families that were affected during a press conference held March 17 on the university's campus.

"Our first priority is taking care of our whole community here on campus," said Tipton. "It's time to come together and support one another as a family."

The crash happened near the city of Andrews, Texas when a pickup truck crossed the center line of a two-lane road "for unknown reasons" and struck the team's bus on March 15.

More: University of Southwest golfers, 13-year-old boy among dead in fatal crash in Andrews, Texas

University of the Southwest Provost Dr. Ryan Tipton met with the press on March 17, to give an update on the students that died in a crash on March 15, near Andrews, Texas.
University of the Southwest Provost Dr. Ryan Tipton met with the press on March 17, to give an update on the students that died in a crash on March 15, near Andrews, Texas.

Tipton told those gathered at the event that he didn't know how the tragedy could have been prevented and it may never be known why the oncoming vehicle suddenly switched lanes.

The university plans to host a memorial event in the coming weeks once students return from spring break, he said.

The flag flies at half-mast at the Rockwind Community Links after six students and a coach from the University of the Southwest's men's and women's golfing team were killed in a crash on March 15.
The flag flies at half-mast at the Rockwind Community Links after six students and a coach from the University of the Southwest's men's and women's golfing team were killed in a crash on March 15.

"We want our on-campus students to be part of that planning so as we know more about that we will make sure will share that information," Tipton said.

The school is working with a crisis response team, counselors and a worship team to help support students.

Two of the students that died, Sousa and Mauricio Sanchez, were international students from Portugal and Mexico respectively.

Tipton said it was a challenge to get in contact with the student's families but has been working with them and the Texas Department of Safety.

The Rockwind Community Links is hosting a memorial after five students and a coach from the University of the Southwest were killed in a crash on March 15.
The Rockwind Community Links is hosting a memorial after five students and a coach from the University of the Southwest were killed in a crash on March 15.

"They are amazing people," Tipton said. "One thing that they said is 'we are so far away, what can we do?' ... I have worked as a liazon between them and the Texas DPS to let them know that sometimes the best thing to do right now is wait."

The University has received an outpour of support from local businesses and organizations.

"We probably hear from somebody every half hour that wants to support USW in some way," Tipton said.

USW has organized a donation page for the victims and their families.

"Hug the ones you love a little bit tighter tonight, don't take anything for granted and more than anything keep us in your prayers as we recover," Tipton said.

Claudia Silva is a reporter from the UNM Local Reporting Fellowship. She can be reached at csilva2@currentargus.com, by phone at 575-628-5506 or on Twitter @thewatchpup.

This article originally appeared on Carlsbad Current-Argus: USW gives updates on golf team crash that killed 9 in Andrews, Texas