Southern Indiana's Jeron Lewis Dies After Hitting Head On Court

Jeron Lewis' Injuries Caused By Apparent Head Injury

The Evanston Courier & Journal has more information on the injury that led to Southern Indiana layer Jeron Lewis’ death.

At approximately 9:05 p.m., Lewis lay motionless after his feet became tangled and he tumbled to the floor of the Owensboro Sportscenter and hit his head, multiple witnesses said.

He lay prone with his hands outstretched above his head briefly as trainers from both teams ran to him. Then he began convulsing as they tried to secure him.

After the movement subsided, the 6-foot-8, 260-pound Lewis was placed on a backboard and gurney and taken to Owensboro Mercy Health System by ambulance, where he was pronounced dead at 9:52 p.m.

Unaware of what was happening, the Eagles actually finished the game, a 74-69 win over Kentucky Wesleyan. They heard the news immediately following.

Southern Indiana's Jeron Lewis Collapses On Court, Dies

In a moment that immediately brings to mind the tragedy of Hank Gathers' death, Division II University of Southern Indiana basketball player Jeron Lewis collapsed late in a game Thursday night and was pronounced dead at the hospital.

"The university community is heartbroken with the passing of this outstanding young man," said USI President Linda Bennett. "Jeron was an excellent example of a student athlete who strove to be the best that he could be. He will be truly missed, not only by his teammates, but by the university community. Our prayers are with Jeron’s family in their time of need."

No word yet on what caused Jeron's untimely death.  An autopsy is scheduled for Friday.

Making the story even more tragic, Jeron has just returned to USI after returning home to Fort Wayne for the birth of his first child.

The Eagles are in the midst of a great season and had the 6-foot-8, 260-pound center to thank for much of their success.  Currently 16-0 and ranked No. 5 in the country, no word yet on their upcoming games and whether or not they will postpone.