Sunday, January 25, 2015

2 EMU STUDENTS, INCLUDING WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PLAYER, KILLED IN OVERNIGHT YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, MI HEAD-ON COLLISION. SPEED IS CONSIDERED A FACTOR IN THE CRASH.



2 EMU STUDENTS, INCLUDING WOMEN'S BASKETBALL PLAYER, KILLED IN OVERNIGHT YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, MI HEAD-ON COLLISION.  SPEED IS CONSIDERED A FACTOR IN THE CRASH.




January 25, 2015

 YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, MI

Eastern Michigan University has identified two students as the individuals killed in a head-on crash overnight in Ypsilanti Township. 

Shannise Heady, 21, from Hazel Crest, Ill., and Jordan Hopkins, 23, of Dexter were killed in a crash shortly before 1 a.m. Jan. 25 on Hewitt Road near Midvale, the university said in a press release.

Heady was a health care administration junior and a forward of the women's basketball team, according to the university. Hopkins was a psychology major senior.
Police continue to investigate the crash which closed down the road for several hours early Sunday. 

The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office said the two students were traveling northbound on Hewitt when the vehicle they were in crossed the center line and struck another vehicle head on. Heady was driving the vehicle, the sheriff's office indicated in the press release.

The two were pronounced dead at the scene, and the 22-year-old Ann Arbor man in the southbound vehicle was taken to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Speed is considered a factor in the crash, said Derrick Jackson of the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office. 


Heady transferred to Eastern Michigan after playing one season for Seton Hall. She led the Eagles in assists and blocks and was ranked fourth on the team in shooting.

"Obviously this is one of our toughest days as a program and for the entire Eagle Nation as we mourn the loss of Shannise," said EMU Head Women's Basketball Coach Tory Verdi. 

"No words can describe the feelings right now as we are truly devastated to learn of her passing," he said. "Shannise was not only an inspiration to all of us, but she brought energy and liveliness to our team. She was a true joy to coach and has left an everlasting impression not only on me but the rest of our team as well. She will be missed greatly."

Athletic director Heather Lyke also expressed deep sadness an empathy for the victims' families. "Our prayers for peace are with them. Shannise lit up the room with her personality and smile and will be missed in our locker room and the department."