Rich Barnes/Getty Images(SYRACUSE, N.Y.) — Syracuse University men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim accidentally struck and killed a pedestrian late Wednesday night, according to local police.
Boeheim remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation, Syracuse Police said in a news release.
The legendary college coach underwent “field sobriety and alco-sensor tests,” which “were negative for any signs of impairment,” according to police.
Boeheim released an emotional statement Thursday morning.
“I am heartbroken that a member of our community died as the result of last night’s accident,” Boeheim said.
The deadly accident took place around 11:20 p.m., police said.
The victim, Jorge Jimenez, 51, of Syracuse, had been in a car that lost control on the highway, hitting a guard rail, police said.
The car was in the middle of the road when the accident occurred, according to police.
Jimenez and the others in the car with him were walking along the highway when, according to authorities, Boeheim noticed the vacant vehicle and tried to avoid it, according to police.
“As a result, the driver, James Boeheim 74, struck the victim who was standing on the side of the road,” according to the police statement.
The coach said he and his wife “extend our deepest sympathies to the Jimenez family.”
“Out of respect for those involved, I will not be providing further comment at this time,” Boeheim said.
No tickets have been issued, the police department said.
Boeheim’s speed was not immediately clear, according to police, but Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick told ABC Syracuse affiliate WSYR the coach was driving at an appropriate speed.
The crash came shortly after Syracuse won its home game against the University of Louisville.
“We are saddened by the death of a member of our Central New York community,” Syracuse Athletics Director John Wildhack said in a statement. “We extend our deepest condolences to all impacted by this tragic accident.”
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