HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 02: Head coach Jim Boeheim of the Syracuse Orange reacts in the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the NCAA Men's Final Four Semifinal at NRG Stadium on April 2, 2016 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Syracuse men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim was driving a car Wednesday night in Syracuse that fatally struck a man on an interstate highway, police said Thursday.
The man, 51-year-old Jorge Jimenez, was reportedly standing outside a car that had crashed into a guardrail on Interstate 690 at around 11:22 p.m. EST Wednesday. Boeheim is said to have hit Jimenez while swerving to avoid the other vehicle.
Boeheim was forced to take a sobriety test but the results came back negative, officials said. The 74-year-old Syracuse coach released a statement Thursday about the incident.
“I am heartbroken that a member of our community died as the result of last night’s accident,” he said. “[Boeheim’s wife] Juli and I extend our deepest sympathies to the Jimenez family. Out of respect for those involved, I will not be providing further comment at this time.”
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Syracuse’s athletic director John Wildhack also voiced his condolences to those affected by the accident in his own statement.
“We are saddened by the death of a member of our Central New York community,” said Wildhack. “On behalf of Chancellor Kent Syverud and the entire Syracuse University community, we extend our deepest condolences to all impacted by this tragic accident. Coach Boeheim is in contact with local authorities and cooperating fully. Out of respect for those grieving, there will be no further comment at this time. ”
An investigation into the incident has now been launched and nobody has yet been charged for any crimes.
On Wednesday, the Orange beat No. 18 Louisville 69-49 at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. Boeheim’s team next hosts top-ranked Duke on Saturday night. Syracuse (18-8) is currently ranked fourth in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Boeheim has served as Syracuse’s head basketball coach since 1976. He has led the Orange to one NCAA Championship victory and five Regional Final Four titles.
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