Syracuse University men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim struck and killed a pedestrian with his car while driving in upstate New York, police have reported.
Jorge Jimenez, 51, was fatally hit as he was walking along the interstate Wednesday night - after he’d exited his vehicle following an unrelated car crash.
According to a police report obtained by CNN affiliate WSYR, inclement weather caused the vehicle carrying Jimenez and three other people to crash into a guardrail on Interstate 690 near Thompson Road.
Jimenez reportedly exited the car after the single-car crash left the vehicle disabled in the middle of the highway.
Boeheim was passing the crash when police say he noticed the vehicle and swerved to avoid it - but ended up fatally striking Jimenez.
Police were called to the scene at 11.22pm ET, and Jimenez was transported to Upstate University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Following the accident, both Boeheim and the other driver tested negative for drugs and alcohol and cooperated with investigators, according to the police statement.
Onondaga County DA Bill Fitzpatrick also said the Syracuse coach had been driving at an appropriate speed.
In a statement to WSYR, Boeheim said: “I am heartbroken that a member of our community died as the result of last night’s accident. 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.”
John Wildhack, director of athletics at Syracuse, also released a statement in which he said the the community was “saddened” and that “Coach Boeheim is in contact with local authorities and cooperating fully”.
Boeheim, 74, has been the head coach at Syracuse University since 1976. His team won a game against Louisville hours before the accident.
