Syracuse men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim struck and killed a man walking outside his vehicle on Interstate 690 at 11:22 pm Wednesday night.
The victim, 51-year old Jorge Jimenez, had been in a car with four others near Thompson Road in Syracuse when their vehicle crashed for unknown reasons, said a source familiar with the investigation. The man at some point got out of his vehicle, the source said. That’s when Boeheim, a native of Lyons, NY, drove by and struck the pedestrian, the source said.
Police did not issue any traffic tickets in the accident and said that there were no signs of impairment in either driver. Friends and family of Boeheim told syracuse.com that he does not drink. Both drivers remained on the scene and cooperated with investigators.
Late Thursday morning, Boeheim released a statement which read:
“I am heartbroken that a member of our community died as the result of last night’s accident. Juli (Boeheim) 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.”
Syracuse University athletic director John Wildhack also issued a statement Thursday morning which read:
“We are saddened by the death of a member of our Central New York community. On behalf of Chancellor Kent Syverud and the entire Syracuse University community, we extend our deepest condolences to all impacted by this tragic accident. Coach Boeheim is in contact with local authorities and cooperating fully. Out of respect for those grieving, there will be no further comment at this time.”
One close friend & another person who is a source familiar with the police investigation – both eager to point Jim Boeheim does not drink alcohol, they say. One friend, "Not even on New Year's Eve when everyone is having a sip." Overwhelming sense this could have been anyone.
— Michael Benny (@MichaelBenny) February 21, 2019
BREAKING: Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim hits, kills pedestrian in fatal crash pic.twitter.com/xmqi3wtkGh
— Kennedy Rose (@KennedyRose001) February 21, 2019
Syracuse legend Jim Boeheim hits, kills man with his car https://t.co/tUjEG7uXNd pic.twitter.com/sKxvIyxFfJ
— New York Post (@nypost) February 21, 2019
NEW: Police have identified Jorge Jimenez, 51, of Syracuse. https://t.co/UCgWkItHYv
— CNYCentral (@CNYCentral) February 21, 2019
Syracuse's Jim Boeheim reportedly struck and killed a man walking on highway after the Orange's game against Louisville Wednesday night.
➡️ https://t.co/s12jrvAaoP pic.twitter.com/88rUtjib1b
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 21, 2019
"He's devastated," says friend Adam Weitsman who spoke to Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim briefly this morning. "He says the man was in the middle of the road, not along the side or anything like that," Weitsman recalls of conversation about the deadly crash last night.
— Michael Benny (@MichaelBenny) February 21, 2019
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