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."