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TRAGEDY FOR ISU FAMILY Sycamores come together for support after tragic death of three students
SYCAMORES TURN TO EACH OTHER FOR SUPPORT AFTER TRAGIC DEATH OF THREE STUDENTS IN CAR ACCIDENT
The ISU family mourned the tragic loss of students Christian Eubanks, Jayden Musili, and Caleb VanHooser, who passed away early in the morning of August 21 in a one-car accident.
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Musili, 19, a sophomore from Fort Wayne, Indiana, was part of the Pathway to Blue program and became an ISU student this year. Eubanks, 18, a freshman from Waukegan, Illinois, and VanHooser, 19, a freshman from Liberty Township, Ohio, were football players for the Sycamores.
There were a total of five people in the car. Two of them were ISU football players Omarion Dixon and John Moore, who survived the crash but sustained serious injuries.
“There are no words to express the depth of our sadness about this tragedy,” ISU President Dr. Deborah J. Curtis said after authorities released the names of the people involved. “We send our condolences to the family and friends of the students involved. The Sycamore family is mourning and will support each other in this time of grief.”
Said Sherard Clinkscales, Director of Athletics: “My heart is broken at the loss of these three souls. Life is so precious, and it is very difficult to comprehend when tragic events like this happen. They will always be remembered. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go to each of their families.”
ISU had a Celebration of Life ceremony August 29 at Tilson Auditorium.
Rhonda Eubanks, mother of Christian, said her son started playing football at age 5.
“He loved football,” she said. “He used to sleep with the football. He played basketball, he ran track, he was a black belt in Tae Kwon
Do, he swam, he played golf. He was an all-around athlete. But there was so much more to him than just his athletic ability. He was one of the most humble, caring people I know.”
John Muia, uncle of Jayden Musili, said his nephew was proud of his Kenyan heritage.
His legacy to the world was his ability to motivate others, helping them to realize their potential,” Muia said. “Jayden was extremely kind. He was always humble and always eager to help.”
Muia also had a plea for students.
Caleb VanHooser’s family provided a statement that was read by Ardell Sanders, ISU Executive Director of Residential Life: “There is one thing I can say that you can do in his honor and then continually do,” the statement said. “When Caleb would leave, his last words were always, ‘I love you.’ Please continuously hug your mom, dad, loved ones, and Sycamore family and tell them, ‘I Love You.’”
Dr. Curtis ended the ceremony by reading the poems “Turn Again to Life” by Mary Lee Hall and “May Time Soften Your Pain” by an anonymous poet.
It’s a publication distinct from STATE magazine that was restarted in 2020. The Annual Report celebrates ISU and recaps the achievements of Sycamores from across campus. It will be available in print and online.
