Syracuse Head Coach Jim Boeheim Hit, Killed Pedestrian in Car Accident
Syracuse head coach Jim Boeheim "struck and killed a man" while driving on Interstate 690 in Syracuse, N.Y. on Wednesday night, the Syracuse Police Department confirmed on Thursday.
Boeheim is reportedly, "cooperating with the investigation," and was interviewed by police before being released on Wednesday night, according to Syracuse.com. He received a blood-alcohol content test reportedly "had no alcohol in his system."
Syracuse PD released a statement on Thursday morning.
"The Syracuse Police Department investigates a fatal crash. On Thursday, February 21, 2019, at about 11:22 P.M., the Syracuse Police Department responded to 690 East near Thompson Road for a crash. Upon Officers arrival, they found a 51 year old victim, Jorge Jimenez, of Syracuse who had been struck by a vehicle. The victim was transported to Upstate University Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
The Syracuse Police Department Traffic Section commenced an investigation. As a result of that investigation so far, it was revealed that the victim was an occupant in a vehicle that had lost control on the highway striking a guard rail. The occupants then exited the vehicle and proceeded to walk on the highway within close proximity to that vehicle. An oncoming vehicle noticed the disabled car and tried avoiding the vehicle which was in the middle of the road. As a result, the driver, James Boeheim 74, of Fayetteville NY struck the victim who was standing on the side of the road. Both drivers remained on scene and are cooperating with this investigation. Field sobriety and alco-sensor tests for both drivers were negative for any signs of impairment. Reconstruction of the scene will be performed and speeds cannot be determined at this time. No Uniformed Traffic Tickets have been issued at this time.”
The victim of Wednesday's accident reportedly exited his vehicle near Thompson Road in Syracuse around midnight before he was struck by Boeheim's car. Conditions in Syracuse were "icy" according to Thursday's report, though it's unclear whether the conditions affected Boeheim's involvement in Wednesday's accident.
Boeheim released a statement through the program on Thursday.
"I am heartbroken that a member of our community died as the result of last night’s accident. Juli and I extend our deepest sympathies to the Jimenez family. Out of respect for those involved, I will not be providing further comment at this time."
Boeheim "met briefly" with his players on Thursday but did not attend or participate in the team's practice, Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack said in a statement, per Syracuse.com.
In light of the accident, ESPN officials have canceled Saturday's scheduled broadcast of College GameDay from Syracuse and will instead broadcast from ESPN's studios in Bristol, Conn.
Boeheim is in his 43rd season as Syracuse's head coach. The Orange defeated Louisville 69–49 on Wednesday night. They are now 18–8, 9–4 ACC.
