University of Wisconsin assistant basketball coach is injured and his wife and nine-year-old daughter are killed in a three-car crash after a vehicle traveling on the wrong side of the road hit them head-on
- The university's assistant basketball coach, Howard Moore, was injured Saturday
- He was with his wife, Jennifer, 46, and daughter, Jaidyn; they were both killed
- Their son, Jerell, 13, was also in the vehicle at the time of the crash; he survived
- Jennifer was driving the family car, and police said she had no fault in accident
- Police said driver who struck Moore's vehicle was 23-year-old, Samantha Winchester, from Ann Arbor, Michigan, who was traveling on wrong side of road
- She also was killed in accident, according to police; toxicology report is pending
- Authorities said the driver of the third vehicle involved suffered minor injuries
The University of Wisconsin is in mourning after one of the college's assistant basketball coach and his family were involved in a three-car accident early Saturday morning that killed his wife and daughter.
Howard Moore, 46, was traveling with his family just before 2am along Michigan highway 14 in Ann Arbor when the crash occurred.
Moore's vehicle was reportedly hit head-on by a car traveling on the wrong side of the road.
His nine-year-old daughter, Jaidyn, was pronounced dead at the scene and his wife, Jennifer, 46, died after being taken off life support.
Jennifer was driving the family vehicle, and police said she had no fault in the accident.
Moore and his son, Jerell, 13, survived the crash and were admitted to the University of Michigan. Their family dog also died in the crash.
University of Wisconsin's assistant coach, Howard Moore (center), 46, and his family were involved in a three-car crash Saturday morning that killed his wife, Jennifer (left), 46, and their nine-year-old daughter, Jaidyn (center left)
Moore and his son, Jerell (left center), 13, survived the crash and were admitted to the University of Michigan. Their family dog also died in the crash. Police said Jennifer (right and left) was driving the family vehicle, and police said she had no fault in the accident
Police said Moore was traveling with his family just before 2am along Michigan highway 14 in Ann Arbor when the crash occurred. Moore's vehicle was reportedly hit head-on by a car traveling on the wrong side of the road. The Moore family is pictured
Michigan State Police responded to the crash at 2.04am. Police said the driver who struck Moore's vehicle was 23-year-old, Samantha Winchester, from Ann Arbor who was heading west in the eastbound lanes of M-14.
She also was killed in the accident, according to police. A toxicology report is pending.
The driver of the third vehicle involved suffered minor injuries.
Police didn't publicly release Moore's identity or the names and ages of members of his family due to a privacy request.
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Since news of the crash spread, tributes to the family have flooded social media from throughout college basketball. The Moores were identified through social media circles and reports.
Missouri coach Cuonzo Martin tweeted: 'Heartbreaking news. Praying for Coach Howard Moore & my thoughts are with he and his family during this difficult time.'
'Please pray for Howard Moore and his family with @BadgerMBB. Tragic car accident & their lives are changed forever in an instant. Sickening,' Louisville coach Chris Mack also tweeted.
Moore is in his second stint as an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin assistant.
Moore is in his second stint as an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin assistant
Since news of the crash spread, tributes to the family have flooded social media from throughout college basketball
The Chicago native was on the Wisconsin staff of former coach Bo Ryan from 2005-10, then left to take the head coaching position at Illinois-Chicago.
Illinois-Chicago expressed its support on the basketball program's Twitter account.
'Please keep former #UIC head coach Howard Moore and his family in your thoughts. The Moore Family was involved in a serious automobile accident and can use positive thoughts today.'
After five seasons with Illinois-Chicago, Moore returned to Wisconsin in 2015. He has been a key figure on head coach Greg Gard's staff.
Moore also has been an assistant coach at Bradley, Ball State and Loyola-Chicago.
He played in 47 career games for Wisconsin between 1991-95.
Jordan Taylor was one of many former Badgers to chime in with his feelings.
'All the amazing people at Wisconsin.. nobody put a smile on your face like Jen and Coach Moore. Prayers up.'
The university issued a statement Sunday morning confirming that Moore and his son are expected to fully recover from their injuries.
'The Badgers athletics community is a tight-knit family and Howard has been a terrific ambassador for Wisconsin for nearly 30 years, dating back to days as a UW student athlete,' the statement reads.
'Our hearts are with Howard and Jerell and we, as a community, will support and lift up the entire Moore and Barnes families.'
Just two weeks ago, Moore shared a heartfelt tweet about his wife on Mother's Day
Wisconsin's head coach, Greg Gard, said: '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.'
The university's athletic director, Barry Alvarez, also shared a tribute to Moore and his family.
'I've known Howard ever since he was a student-athlete at Wisconsin and gotten to know his wonderful family through the years,' Alvarez said.
'He has always been an incredible representative of our athletic department and a positive influence on everyone around him. We are truly heart-broken for his family and will be doing everything possible to help him through this tragic time.'
Just two weeks ago, Moore shared a heartfelt tweet about his wife on Mother's Day.
His Twitter message has four photos to go with this note: 'Happy Mother's Day to my outstanding wife, @queenjen29 and thank you for that you do for our family! #Blessed #MothersDay.'
