Boeheim Discusses 'When a Human Life Is Lost and You're There'

Syracuse coach breaks silence after being involved in a fatal car accident
By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 24, 2019 9:11 AM CST
Boeheim Discusses 'When a Human Life Is Lost and You're There'
Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim speaks at a news conference after the team's NCAA college basketball game against Duke in Syracuse, NY, Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019. Duke won 75-65.   (AP Photo/Nick Lisi)

Jim Boeheim returned to the Carrier Dome on Saturday night for the first game since he was involved in a car accident that killed a man, and addressed the tragedy head-on, reports ESPN: The beloved Syracuse coach came on to the court to a standing ovation, but had arranged a message to be read in English and Spanish over the loudspeaker in honor of Jorge Jimenez, the 51-year-old man he accidentally struck on the side of the road as he was returning from a game late Wednesday. That was followed by a moment of silence, and Boeheim released a statement afterward saying that "I love this community, and to see so many of my fellow community members rally around the Jimenez family is a reminder of how special central New York is."

He continued: "It's an unimaginable situation. I can't describe the feelings I've had since Wednesday night. I don't think I can make anyone understand who hasn't been there. This is something that's there forever for me. It's one of those things. ... There's a lot of things in there that you have to overcome, but there's nothing, there is nothing like this, when a human life is lost and you're there. I just can't, I can't describe it to you." Boeheim struck Jiminez on the side of the road Wednesday on his way home from a game; Jiminez had struck a guardrail and exited his own vehicle. Neither driver was determined to be under the influence. (Read more Jim Boeheim stories.)

We use cookies. By Clicking "OK" or any content on this site, you agree to allow cookies to be placed. Read more in our privacy policy.
Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X