Three SLU Students Killed in I-55 Crash Early Monday Morning
PONCHATOULA, LA—Three Southeastern Louisiana University students died in a single-vehicle crash on Interstate 55 at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Monday.
According to the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner's Office, the victims were identified as 20-year-old Carmelo Riley, 20-year-old Brian Smith II, and 19-year-old Tyrell Yates, who was a basketball player for the Lions during the 2023-24 season. Riley and Smith were pronounced dead at the scene, while Yates suffered severe injuries and was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
Louisiana State Police reported that the 2017 Honda Accord was traveling north on La. 51 at a high rate of speed when it struck a concrete support column of the elevated interstate. The driver was wearing a seatbelt, while the front seat passenger was not. Both died on impact, and Yates, seated in the rear and restrained, succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
William Wainwright, president of SLU, confirmed the students' identities and expressed condolences to their families. He urged students to utilize available counseling services.
“There are simply no words that can adequately express the sorrow we feel for their families and friends,” Wainwright stated. “I ask that we come together as a Southeastern Family and keep them in our thoughts and prayers.”
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with authorities examining the circumstances surrounding the incident.