The University of the Southwest mourns the death of members of the golf program. CLIFFORD OTO/THE STOCKTON RECORD via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Nine killed in car crash involving University of the Southwest golf team

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 3/16/22

A car crash in West Texas has left nine dead, including six students and a coach who were returning home to New Mexico from a golf tournament, multiple sources confirmed on Wednesday morning.

Fatal crash involving bus carrying college golf team, death toll unclear https://t.co/BzH0kAu9fR pic.twitter.com/ovIx1fAiWJ
— New York Post (@nypost) March 16, 2022

The Texas Department of Safety said that a pickup truck crossed over the center lane of a highway late Tuesday night and crashed head-on into a vehicle carrying members of the University of the Southwest's men's and women's golf teams.

According to the report, six students and coach Tyler James, who was driving the team vehicle, are among the deceased. Two students were helicoptered to a nearby hospital and are in critical condition.

The driver and passenger of the pickup truck were also killed in the crash.

University president Quint Thurman released a statement early Wednesday morning regarding the fatal crash.

#BREAKING University of the Southwest President Quint Thurman confirms tonight’s crash took multiple student lives on the golf team and head coach Tyler James.

USW was playing in a golf tournament in Midland on Tuesday and scheduled to tee off on Wednesday vs. MC

Devastating. pic.twitter.com/fQLKnFm17i
— Alex Cammarata (@AlexCammarata_) March 16, 2022