The wife and daughter of University of Wisconsin assistant men’s basketball coach Howard Moore were killed in a car crash over the weekend.
Moore and his son, Jerell, 13, were rushed to the hospital with injuries after the crash, Michigan State Police said. Moore’s wife, Jennifer, and their daughter Jaidyn, 9, were killed in the crash.
A driver identified as Samantha Winchester, 23, of Ann Arbor, was driving the wrong way on M-14 in Michigan when her vehicle slammed into the one that was driven by Jennifer Moore.
Winchester was also killed by the impact, police said. The Moores’ dog was also killed.
The family of four, traveling E/B on M-14 is the family of Howard Moore, who resides in Wisconsin. Daughter Jaidyn (age 9) was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash. Wife Jennifer Moore (age 46) was taken off life support and passed away as a result of her injuries.
— MSP First District (@MSPFirstDist) May 26, 2019
Howard Moore (age 46) and son Jerell (age 13) suffered non-life threatening injuries and are being treated at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. The Moore family dog also perished as a result of the crash. Again, thoughts and condolences go out to all involved.
— MSP First District (@MSPFirstDist) May 26, 2019
The wrong way driver has been identified as Samantha Winchester, age 23 of Ann Arbor, MI. She was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash, toxicology reports are pending.
— MSP First District (@MSPFirstDist) May 26, 2019
The crash took place in the early hours of May 25.
Toxicology results of the drivers were pending in addition to autopsies and a report from the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Reconstructionists.
“Once all of those are completed, a more accurate picture of what happened this morning will be available,” the state police stated.
Early Saturday morning, we learned of a tragic automobile accident involving assistant coach Howard Moore and his family.
Our hearts are with them and we, as a community, will support and lift up the entire family.https://t.co/IdiIZjV4HD
— Wisconsin Basketball (@BadgerMBB) May 26, 2019
The University of Wisconsin athletic department said on Sunday that Moore was in stable condition in the ICE while his son was “up and walking around.”
The athletic department issued a statement after the identities of the Moore family were released.
“There are no words to describe how devastated we are for Howard and his family. Our basketball program is an extremely close family and we are all grieving for the Moore and Barnes families,” head men’s basketball coach Greg Gard said.
Happy Mother’s Day to my outstanding wife, @queenjen29 and thank you for that you do for our family! #Blessed #MothersDay pic.twitter.com/wwsTsqbpAX
— Howard Moore (@Howard_Moore) May 12, 2019
“Howard is so much more than a colleague and coach. He and Jen and their children are dear friends to everyone they meet. Their positivity and energy lift up those around them. We will miss Jen and Jaidyn dearly and we will put our arms around Howard and Jerell and the entire family, giving them love and support during this unspeakable time,” Gard said.
“I’ve known Howard ever since he was a student-athlete at Wisconsin and gotten to know his wonderful family through the years,” added director of athletics Barry Alvarez.
“He has always been an incredible representative of our athletic department and a positive influence on everyone around him. We are truly heartbroken for his family and will be doing everything possible to help him through this tragic time. Our prayers, love, and support go out to the Moore and Barnes family.”
