Huntingdon College Mourns Loss of Student-Athlete
A sombre mood has fallen over Huntingdon College in Alabama following the tragic death of one of its American football players. James Owens, a 20-year-old defensive lineman from Tuscaloosa, was killed in a devastating two-vehicle crash last week, the college has confirmed.
Details of the Tragic Collision
The fatal incident occurred on November 10th at approximately 5:35am near the 99-mile marker in Chilton County. According to reports, Owens was driving a 2019 Chevrolet Camaro when it collided with a Toyota Tundra. The driver of the Tundra, 42-year-old Justin E. Carlee of Maplesville, was also killed in the collision. Tragically, both men were pronounced dead at the scene.
A Community in Mourning and Touching Tributes
In the wake of the devastating news, the Huntingdon Hawks football programme and the wider college community have been united in grief. The college posted a heartfelt tribute to Owens on Instagram, describing him as 'a towering presence of kindness and a force to be reckoned with' on the defensive line.
The tribute continued, emphasising that James was a great representative of the college on and off the field, carrying himself with the utmost standard of respect, integrity, and kindness throughout his time as a Hawk.
On Tuesday, family and friends gathered to honour his memory, releasing a cloud of red and white balloons—the team's colours—into the sky. The emotional gathering saw attendees dressed in red to show their support.
His football coach, Mike Turk, spoke about the profound impact of the loss, stating the team had leaned on each other for support. He confirmed the team had returned to training, believing it was what James would have wanted, as they prepared for their next game.
The College Chaplain, Rhett Butler, offered a poignant reflection on Owens' strong Christian faith, recalling his recent baptism and his willingness to be a witness for his beliefs.
This tragic event follows another recent loss in the US college sports community, underscoring the fragility of life.
