Three members of Southern University's marching band, known as the Human Jukebox, were killed in a crash with an 18-wheeler, a university spokesperson confirmed Wednesday. Police said the victims were trying to change a flat tire when they were fatally struck by the truck.
Louisiana State Police Master Trooper Casey Wallace told news outlets the two-vehicle crash happened Tuesday night in the Natchitoches area and confirmed three people died in the collision. State police identified the victims Wednesday as Broderick Moore, 19, of Cedar Hill, Texas; Tyran Williams, 19, of Dallas; and Dylan Young, 21, also of Dallas.
Two of the students were tuba players, the other was a percussionist, Southern University's Director of Bands Kedric Taylor said.
The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff's Office described the collision as a "major crash." It happened around 7:40 p.m. on I-49 northbound near Powhatan, a village in the parish, the sheriff's office said.
State police said the students were in a Jeep that was stalled on the interstate's northbound shoulder. They were attempting to change a flat tire when the tractor-trailer drifted onto the shoulder, hit the Jeep's left side and the victims, who were pronounced dead on scene.
The truck's driver, a 62-year-old man, was wearing a seatbelt and sustained no injuries, investigators said. Routine toxicology tests are pending as the investigation into the crash continued, state police said.
Zion Wilson, a Southern University graduate who played in the marching band with Young, told CBS affiliate WAFB-TV he was at a loss for words.
"It's like losing a real sibling at the end of the day," he told the station.
Three SU Human Jukebox members were headed home to Texas for the holidays when they caught a flat.
The young men were changing the tire when an 18-wheeler drifted off the road and killed them.
Prayers up to the Jaguar family. @WAFB
FULL STORY: https://t.co/GM9UPLrMGj pic.twitter.com/qhCRsmHQG8
— Perry Robinson, III (@ThePRobReport) December 8, 2022
Southern University President-Chancellor Dennis Shields offered condolences to the victims' families and friends as well as to the school community.
"I know that the sudden loss of a classmate or friend can be devastating," he said in a statement. "I encourage you to reach out to someone you trust to talk about your feelings. Know that the University Counseling Center is also here to assist you."
LSU President Dennis Shields sent a message to the staff, students and families at the university, sharing his condolences, WAFB reported.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards also posted condolences on social media.
We join the Southern University family and especially the Human Jukebox Marching Band in mourning the deep loss of the three students whose lives were tragically cut short after yesterday’s accident. #lagov https://t.co/nOvQrVofmn
— Gov. John Bel Edwards (@LouisianaGov) December 7, 2022
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