One person was arrested, charged with a count of driving while intoxicated after police say he crashed his truck into the Abilene Christian University football team bus, injuring four people on Saturday night following ACU’s matchup with Texas Tech.
Parker Young, 19, was booked early Sunday into the Lubbock County Detention Center, but had been released on bond by Tuesday, according to jail records. All four people on the bus who were injured, including two coaches, the driver and a student athlete, were treated for non-life-threatening injuries and expected to recover, according to a statement from ACU.
According to Lubbock police, at 11:33 p.m., officers were helping direct traffic at the Marsha Sharp Freeway and University Avenue intersection as the ACU team’s bus was leaving Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock after playing against Texas Tech.
That is when investigators believe a vehicle driven by Young, traveling south on University, disregarded traffic direction and collided with the bus. This forced the bus into another vehicle in the left turn lane, attempting to head north.
Official Statement from ACU Department of Athletics #CDT | #GoWildcats pic.twitter.com/6wRIwvvmKT
— ACU Football (@ACUFootball) September 1, 2024
On a tense Saturday night, the Abilene Christian University (ACU) football team faced an unexpected challenge after their game against Texas Tech. As the team was returning home, their bus was involved in a crash that left four individuals injured. According to the Lubbock Police Department, all those affected were taken to University Medical Center for treatment of moderate injuries.
ACU released an update on Sunday regarding the condition of the injured parties:
Keith Patterson, the head football coach, was evaluated for pain in his hip and leg. Fortunately, he was released shortly after and was back at work in Abilene the next day.
Conor Dubin, the linebackers coach, was assessed for a suspected concussion. His MRI results came back clear, and he spent Saturday night and Sunday in the hospital but is expected to be discharged on Monday morning.
Sam Mason Jr., a student-athlete, received treatment for a cut and bruise on his head and was released soon after.
Darryl Kelley, the bus driver, underwent evaluation for possible broken ribs. However, medical tests showed clear results, and he is also expected to be discharged on Monday around noon.
In a heartfelt statement, ACU expressed gratitude to Texas Tech’s Director of Athletics Kirby Hocutt, their team physician Dr. Michael Phy, and all first responders for their prompt assistance during this incident.
The driver of the vehicle that collided with the bus, 19-year-old Parker Young, was arrested and charged with DWI. He is currently being held at the Lubbock County Detention Center.
Texas Tech Athletics shared their support early Sunday morning: “The thoughts and prayers of Red Raider Nation are with our friends at ACU and those who may have been injured in tonight’s accident. Our administration has been in constant contact with ACU’s staff since their departure and will assist wherever needed.”
As ACU looks ahead, they are scheduled to face West Georgia next Saturday at 8 p.m., carrying with them the weight of this recent event but determined to move forward.
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