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UPDATE: On Sunday morning, Wisconsin officially released a statement about the accident involving Moore and his family, noting both Moore and his son, Jerell, are “expected to recover.” The release also includes comments from men’s basketball head coach Greg Gard and UW athletic director Barry Alvarez:
Statement regarding the family of Howard Moore
MADISON, Wis. – Early Saturday morning, the University of Wisconsin athletic department learned of a tragic automobile accident in Michigan involving assistant men’s basketball coach Howard Moore and his family. We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Howard’s wife, Jennifer, and their daughter Jaidyn. Howard and his son, Jerell, both suffered injuries but are expected to recover.
The Badgers athletics community is a tight-knit family and Howard has been a terrific ambassador for Wisconsin for nearly 30 years, dating back to days as a UW student athlete. Our hearts are with Howard and Jerell and we, as a community, will support and lift up the entire Moore and Barnes families.
“There are no words to describe how devastated we are for Howard and his family,” head coach Greg Gard said. “Our basketball program is an extremely close family and we are all grieving for the Moore and Barnes families. Howard is so much more than a colleague and coach. He and Jen and their children are dear friends to everyone they meet. Their positivity and energy lift up those around them. We will miss Jen and Jaidyn dearly and we will put our arms around Howard and Jerell and the entire family, giving them love and support during this unspeakable time.”
“I’ve known Howard ever since he was a student-athlete at Wisconsin and gotten to know his wonderful family through the years,” director of athletics Barry Alvarez said. “He has always been an incredible representative of our athletic department and a positive influence on everyone around him. We are truly heart-broken for his family and will be doing everything possible to help him through this tragic time. Our prayers, love and support go out to the Moore and Barnes family.”
The Michigan State Police also released details via their Twitter account:
The family of four, traveling E/B on M-14 is the family of Howard Moore, who resides in Wisconsin. Daughter Jaidyn (age 9) was pronounced deceased at the scene of the crash. Wife Jennifer Moore (age 46) was taken off life support and passed away as a result of her injuries.
— MSP First District (@MSPFirstDist) May 26, 2019
Howard Moore (age 46) and son Jerell (age 13) suffered non-life threatening injuries and are being treated at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, MI. The Moore family dog also perished as a result of the crash. Again, thoughts and condolences go out to all involved.
— MSP First District (@MSPFirstDist) May 26, 2019
On behalf of the @MichStatePolice, our heartfelt condolences to the entire UW Badger family during this extremely difficult time. https://t.co/QBj40C9C58
— MSP First District (@MSPFirstDist) May 26, 2019
According to multiple reports, Wisconsin assistant men’s basketball coach Howard Moore and his family were involved in a car accident, an incident that claimed the lives of Moore’s wife and daughter.
The Wisconsin State Journal’s Jim Polzin, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel’s Jeff Potrykus, and WOZN’s Zach Heilprin all wrote articles on the unfortunate news on Saturday that Moore’s daughter, Jaidyn, and his wife, Jennifer, died as a result of the accident.
Both Polzin’s and Heilprin’s articles allude to an MLive.com article published Saturday that involves some details of a crash that is reportedly the one the Moore family was involved in:
Michigan State Police responded to the crash at 2:04 a.m., Saturday, May 25, in the area of M-14 and Ford Road, Lt. Darren Green said.
A vehicle, driven by a 23-year-old Ann Arbor woman, was heading west in the eastbound lanes of M-14 when she struck another vehicle with four people inside head-on, Green said. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene, he said.
In the car she struck, a female child also was killed and pronounced dead at the scene, two others were critically injured and a male child suffered minor injuries, Green said.
A third vehicle, occupied by one person who is being treated for minor injuries, also was impacted in the crash, Green said.
Of note as of Saturday evening, the Michigan State Police have not officially released the identities of those involved in the crash yet to honor the family’s privacy. The state police’s official Twitter account later reported that the “adult female driver of the vehicle NOT at fault has been taken off of life support and has passed away.”
Stunned. Shocked. Shook. And deeply saddened by the horrible news of @BadgerMBB asst & former @UICFlamesMBB head coach Howard Moore in serious car accident in Michigan. I’m told Howard & his son survived, but his wife & daughter didn’t make it.
— Ryan Baker (@RyanBakerMedia) May 25, 2019
As reported by Potrykus, Wisconsin men’s basketball coach Greg Gard was expected to travel to Michigan to be with Moore.
A former Badger basketball player in the 1990s, Moore currently is in his second stint as a Wisconsin assistant since December 2015. He also worked under Bo Ryan as an assistant from 2005-10.
Players, college programs, coaches and media members all flooded social media on Saturday with messages of prayer and support after the reports surfaced:
Still speechless. I’ll never forget the first time I met @Howard_Moore on Jason’s official visit. His gargantuan smile was contagious and made you feel like an instant friend. Yet, it was no comparison to his wife’s warmth. College basketball & @BadgerMBB will never be the same. https://t.co/C0Ll7QkWhX
— Zach Bohannon (@ZBohannon) May 25, 2019
We send our love and support to Coach Moore and his family through this time...
— Sam Dekker (@dekker) May 25, 2019
Thoughts and prayers are with the Moore family. Can’t even imagine the pain they are going through. Please everyone take a moment and pray for Coach Moore and his family.
— Hippo Kaminsky III (@FSKPart3) May 25, 2019
Absolutely heartbreaking news regarding Wisconsin assistant Howard Moore and his family. Involved in a car accident late last night that claimed life of his wife and daughter. Awful. Howard suffered non-life threatening injuries and his son suffered minor injuries. So sad.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanHoops) May 25, 2019
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Moore family. Howard is one of the best men I know and has the biggest heart! Please take a moment to pray for Howard and his family during this difficult time. #badgers
— Jason King (@uwkinger) May 25, 2019
I love your whole family @Howard_Moore . I’m at a loss for words. You are loved and appreciated. All of my positive thoughts are with you and yours
— Jah. (@JTaylored11) May 25, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with @BadgerMBB asst coach @Howard_Moore and his family. He and his family were involved in a car accident last night where his wife and daughter unfortunately passed. Our love and support are with Coach Moore and the rest of his family pic.twitter.com/9NUrrMwRTg
— Platteville Hoops (@Platteville_MBB) May 25, 2019
Sending prayers for Coach Moore and his family https://t.co/ygBbX4ekWs
— Tai Strickland (@taistrickland13) May 25, 2019
Wisconsin assistant Howard Moore has been a great friend and mentor to me. Many prayers go up for him & his family during this devastating time. Absolutely heartbreaking news. Please pray
— LaVall Jordan (@LaVall_Jordan) May 25, 2019
@Howard_Moore all that I can do is pray for you and your family and your @BadgerMBB ! I love you buddy!!!
— Coach Tony Granato (@TonyGranato) May 25, 2019
All the amazing people at Wisconsin.. nobody put a smile on your face like Jen and Coach Moore . Prayers up.
— Jordan Taylor (@JMTaylor11) May 25, 2019
Our hearts our very heavy today. Please keep Howard and his family in your thoughts and prayers. https://t.co/JKv3dED7qw
— Will Ryan (@CoachWillRyan) May 25, 2019
Please pray for @BadgerMBB Coach Howard Moore and his family during this unimaginably tough time.
— Vitto Brown (@SenseiSwat33) May 25, 2019
Please pray for @Howard_Moore and his family during this very difficult time! One of the best men and families in sports! https://t.co/NbHg3KSMvl
— Mark Osiecki (@Osiecki24) May 25, 2019
Everyone say a prayer for @Howard_Moore and his family during this devastating time. Badger family is with you!
— Duje Dukan (@dujedukan) May 25, 2019
Please pray for Coach Howard Moore and his family. He will
— Michael Johnson (@MJohnsonCEO) May 25, 2019
Need it you all.
Please pause for a moment and say a prayer for my friend, Howard and his son. pic.twitter.com/A1XLfil4wp
— Mike Mahnke (@uwpaguy) May 25, 2019
Please keep your thoughts and prayers with the Wisconsin basketball program and assistant coach Howard Moore and his family. So sorry for your loss.
— Indiana Basketball (@IndianaMBB) May 25, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with Coach Moore and his family https://t.co/yb1KFkCzcv
— Oregon Men's Basketball (@OregonMBB) May 25, 2019