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<p style="margin-bottom:15.6pt;line-height:15.75pt"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif"">In the late afternoon of Tuesday, June 3, four members of the Texas A&M University-Commerce Lion women’s basketball team were involved in a tragic two-car accident
on Loop 286 in Paris. The women were en route to Paris High School to watch a summer league basketball game. Two of the women, Aubree Butts of Lewisville and Devin Oliver of Rowlett, passed away while La'Tisha Hearne of Richardson and Zenobia Winbush of Schertz,
Texas were first in critical condition and have since been released from the hospital.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif"">"This is an unspeakable tragedy and a loss that is felt by the entire university community, made more grievous by the dreams that will not be fulfilled. Our prayers go out to the loved ones of those we have lost,"
said A&M-Commerce President Dan R. Jones. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif"">All four of the students are high profile leaders on campus. Oliver was a student orientation leader and important to many on campus. The other women also served in student organization and leadership roles outside
of their athletic activities and were highly regarded.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif"">“We continue to mourn the loss of two wonderful individuals,” said A&M-Commerce Athletic Director Ryan Ivey. “Accidents like this are never easy for anyone involved, and we continue to pray and console everyone who
has been touched by these wonderful people. The outpouring of love and support from colleagues and athletic departments from around the country is nothing short of amazing. We continue to ask for everyone’s thoughts and prayers during this time of need.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:15.6pt;line-height:15.75pt"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif"">The entire A&M-Commerce Lion family sends heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, teammates and coaches of these young women. Our greatest thoughts of healing
go to our student-athletes who were injured and face a tough road ahead.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif"">In response to this accident, the Counseling Center is available to walk-in students, as well as faculty and staff, who would like to speak with a counselor. The Rayburn Student Center is also open for groups of students,
organizations and others who may wish to meet and hold vigil.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:15.6pt;line-height:15.75pt"><span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif"">A student-led candlelight vigil will take place at 9:00 P.M. on Wednesday, June 4 in Rachel’s Garden on the A&M-Commerce campus. It is located directly across the
street from the Field House.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<span style="font-family:"Cambria","serif"">As our Lion family works through these difficult days, we will update you on any further developments or activities. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
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