University of the Southwest Teams in Fatal Bus Crash, Multiple People Dead

Nine people were killed on Tuesday night when a bus carrying college athletes and a pickup truck collided in Texas.

The University of the Southwest—a Christian college in Hobbs, New Mexico—said the passengers were members of its men's and women's golf teams who were heading home after a tournament. Seven of them were killed in the crash.

The driver of the other vehicle, and its passenger, were also killed. The Dodge 2500 pickup was traveling southbound on FM 1788, while the university's Ford Transit passenger van was traveling northbound.

A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Public Safety told Newsweek: "For unknown reasons, the Dodge pickup drove into the northbound lane and struck the Ford passenger van head on.

"Both vehicles caught fire. Both the driver and passenger of the Dodge pickup were killed... As a result of the crash, six students and one faculty member were killed.

"Two students in critical condition were transported by helicopter to University Medical Center in Lubbock, TX.

"The crash is being investigated by the Texas Highway Patrol's West Texas Region District Crash Team with assistance from the National Transportation Safety Board. The crash investigation is still ongoing."

The university said the teams' coach, Tyler James, lost his life, along with students Mauricio Sanchez, 19, of Mexico; Travis Garcia, 19, of Pleasanton, Texas; Jackson Zinn, 22, Westminster, Colorado; Karissa Raines, 21, of Fort Stockton, Texas; Laci Stone, 18, of Nocona, Texas; and Tiago Sousa, 18, of Portugal.

Quint Thurman, the university's president, said USW was "devastated." He noted two students were still being treated in hospital and said: "We ask for prayers for their recovery and for comfort and strength for all of [the] families and friends and students of those whose lives have been lost."

A spokesperson for the university told Newsweek: "The USW campus community is shocked and saddened today as we mourn the loss of members of our university family.

"Last night, the men's and women's golf teams were traveling back to campus from competition in Midland, Texas, when their bus was struck by oncoming traffic. Nine passengers, including the coach, were on the university bus involved in the fatal accident.

"While the accident investigation is still underway, reports indicate that seven passengers aboard the bus were killed in the crash. Two of the passengers are in critical condition undergoing medical treatment in Lubbock, Texas.

"USW is coordinating with Texas DPS to assist with the investigation and public information efforts. University administration is communicating with families of the students and coaching staff to provide more information as it becomes available.

"USW counseling staff and the worship team will be available on campus today to provide support for students, faculty, and staff. Please keep the families of students, coaching staff, and the USW community in your prayers as we come together to support one another during this difficult time."

The bus was driven by Tyler James, the teams' coach, according to the university president.

James was entering his first season as head coach of the golf program at the University of the Southwest, according to the college website. He had started his collegiate playing career at Ottawa University in Canada and later graduated from Howard Payne University in Texas.

Earlier on Tuesday evening, the university released a statement saying: "The University of the Southwest can confirm that there has been a fatal bus accident involving the USW men's and women's golf teams.

"The university is currently attempting to notify family members of those involved in the accident. Counseling and religious services will be available to students, faculty, and staff on campus. The university will continue to provide additional information as it becomes available."

Sgt. Steven Blanco, of the Texas Department of Public Safety, said the crash happened at 8:17 p.m. about nine miles from the city of Andrews, according to NBC.

"Both suffered extremely heavy damage," Blanco said, adding that the bus and the truck had caught fire after the impact.

The Texas Department of Public Safety told NewsWest9 there had been fatalities in both vehicles. Photos posted on social media by reporters for the network showed the twisted shells of the bus and truck.

Police are still investigating what caused the collision.

Update 03/16/22, 12:15 a.m. ET: This article was updated to amend the fatality numbers and add a statement from the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Update 03/17/22, 3:37 a.m. ET: This article was updated with the names of the deceased.