A beloved Indiana college basketball player was killed in a devastating car crash Sunday night, just weeks after transferring to a new school where she planned to play alongside her younger sister.
University of Evansville sophomore Jordan Scott was driving on State Road 62 in Warrick County at around 12:42 a.m. when her vehicle left the road and crashed into a utility pole, according to the Warrick County Sheriff’s Office.
The crash happened about 20 miles from the University of Evansville campus.
Authorities said Scott had just dropped off a friend before the wreck and was driving on roads that were unfamiliar to her and described as “very curvy.”
A witness told investigators they saw Scott’s vehicle leave the roadway while traveling through a sharp curve before striking a utility pole and eventually coming to rest on its side near a tree line.
The vehicle suffered “severe damage,” and Scott was pronounced dead at the scene.
She was the only person inside the car.
Investigators believe speed may have played a role in the crash and said the vehicle may have gone airborne before the impact.
The University of Evansville announced Scott’s death Monday, calling the news “heartbreaking.”
“A sophomore and member of the Purple Aces women’s basketball program, Jordan was a beloved member of the University of Evansville community,” the school said.
“Her loss is deeply felt by her teammates, coaches, classmates, friends, faculty, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.”
Scott’s death is especially devastating for her family because her younger sister, Jayden, had also joined the Purple Aces basketball team as a freshman.
“Our thoughts are with her parents Mario and Amy, sister and teammate Jayden as well as her family, friends, and teammates during this difficult time,” University of Evansville Athletics said.
The school has made counseling and grief support available to students, student-athletes and staff following the tragedy.
Scott was a native of Newburgh, Indiana, and graduated from Castle High School.
She spent the previous season playing at Wabash Valley College before transferring to the University of Evansville.
Her former team also shared an emotional tribute following her death.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the passing of our beloved player, Jordan Scott,” Wabash Valley College Women’s Basketball wrote.
Her former teammates remembered Scott as “an incredible talent on the court and an even more remarkable person off it.”
“She brought so much joy and passion to our team. Always knew how to put a smile on anyone’s face or just light up a room. She will be deeply missed by all of us,” the team said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Scott’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace, Jordan.”
Scott had already built an impressive basketball résumé before arriving at Evansville.
She was a two-time All-SIAC first-team selection, a two-time All-State Honorable Mention pick and a first-team All-Metro selection, according to her University of Evansville biography.
She also competed in club basketball with Swish City, Pocket City and IGB Select 40 before beginning her college career.