Students are mourning the sudden death of three Southern University Human Jukebox band members killed while changing a tire near Natchitoches on Tuesday night. The victims have been identified as 19-year-old Tyran Williams, 21-year-old Dylan Young, and 19-year-old Broderick Moore, all of Texas. Southern University graduate and band alumni Keymonte Avery says this is unsettling because of how close the members are.
“Now that those three members are gone it will kind of feel uneasy and unsettling to know that their brother was once here and now that they are not coming back in the spring it’ll just be a different feeling,” said Avery.
According to state police, a tractor-trailer driven by Clyde Gay, of Coushatta, drifted into the shoulder, hitting the Jeep and immediately killed the three students. Avery says this is surreal for the Southern community.
“The band is like a very close group of people we spend numerous amount of hours together on a daily bases whether its from Monday to Saturday or Monday to Sunday,” said Avery.
Gay sustained no injuries however, laboratory tests will be done to check for any impairment. Issah Clay, a current Southern University student says the victims were well-rounded and will be missed.
“They died in such a tragic way they meant a lot to their community because they were in the band and a part of different things on campus,” said Clay.
Southern Chancellor Dennis Shields sent a letter of condolence to the families and students affected. On-campus counseling has also been offered to assist students in emotional need. Clay says the students were legacies to be honored.
“Like the people that are in the band they should celebrate them by remembering the times with them. Just coming together as a community and as a school honoring their names,” said Clay.
The investigation is still on going.
Comments