A college pole vaulter has died at the age of 19 after being ejected from her vehicle in a horror car accident, her school announced at the weekend.
According to 13abc, Toledo University star Eva Moran was pronounced dead at Marion General Hospital after the three-car crash in Ohio on Friday.
The crash is said to have occurred at 5:28pm on May 29 in Claridon Township, with the Ohio State Highway Patrol claiming Moran had been traveling eastbound but ‘failed to maintain assured clear distance ahead’ when she struck the left rear of 19-year-old Nathaniel Blankenship’s stopped car.
Her vehicle then entered the westbound lane before being hit by another car, which was driven by 23-year-old Dalila Zamudio. The impact is believed to have ejected Moran from her vehicle.
Blankenship was left with ‘possible’ injuries while Zamudio was taken to hospital with minor injuries, according to the OSHP.
‘There are no words to adequately express the sadness our team feels over the loss of Eva,’ Toledo director of cross country and track and field Andrea Grove-McDonough said in a statement the following day.
A college pole vaulter has died at the age of 19 after being ejected from her vehicle in a crash
‘She was a remarkable young woman whose energy, determination and kindness made an immediate impact on our program.
‘Eva approached every practice, every competition and every challenge with a positive attitude and a genuine love for her teammates. She was eager to learn, eager to improve and proud to represent the University of Toledo.
‘Our hearts are with Eva’s family, friends, teammates and everyone whose lives she touched. We will continue to honor her memory and the example she set for all of us.’
Moran, who was from the Ohio city of Caledonia, performed well for Toledo at the recent Mid-American Conference outdoor championships, setting a new career-best with 3.57m.
That pole vault score, which ranked sixth in school history, earned her a 10th-place finish at the championships.
Before enrolling at Toledo in 2024, she competed in basketball, cross country and track for River Valley High School.
Moran is survived by her parents, Alena and Derrek, as well as brothers Maxxon and Jaxton and sister Kyra.
Toledo University star Eva Moran was killed in the horror accident in Ohio on Friday
‘The University of Toledo community is heartbroken by the loss of Eva Moran,’ Toledo vice president and director of athletics Tom Moreland said in the university’s release.
‘Eva was an outstanding student-athlete whose determination, character and positive spirit made an impact on everyone who had the opportunity to know her. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Eva’s parents, Alena and Derrek, and her siblings, Maddox, Jaxton and Kya.
‘We ask that everyone keep Eva’s family and those closest to her in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.’
