University of Southern Indiana Player Jeron Lewis Dies After Fall During Game
Jeron Lewis, a basketball player for Southern Indiana, died after a fall during a game against Kentucky Wesleyan Jan. 14.
The Evansville Courier and Press has the details:
At approximately 9:05 p.m., Lewis lay motionless after his feet became tangled and he tumbled to the floor of the Owensboro Sportscenter and hit his head, multiple witnesses said.
He lay prone with his hands outstretched above his head briefly as trainers from both teams ran to him. Then he began convulsing as they tried to secure him.
Lewis reportedly was pronounced dead at the hospital just before 10 p.m. (Central Time). An autopsy is scheduled for Friday morning.
Lewis, a 6-foot-8 senior, was 21 and recently became a father for the first time. The university released a statement last night:
“The University community is heartbroken with the passing of this outstanding young man,” said USI President Linda L.M. Bennett. “Jeron was an excellent example of a student athlete who strove to be the best that he could be. He will be truly missed, not only by his teammates, but by the University community. Our prayers are with Jeron’s family in their time of need.”
Lewis, who was from Fort Wayne, Indiana, transferred into SIU from Northeastern Junior College in Colorado. He was named the Ft. Wayne News-Sentinel Prep Sports Player of the Year in 2006 while playing for North Side High School in Fort Wayne.
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