The Ohio State Football community is reeling in grief after a devastating bus accident on the evening of February 21st, 2025, which claimed the lives of 15 individuals, including three of the team’s star players. The accident occurred as the players and coaching staff were returning from an off-campus team-building event. The team was traveling back to campus after a community outreach initiative, when their bus collided with a tractor-trailer on a stretch of Interstate 70, about 50 miles from Columbus.
The victims included three of Ohio State’s standout athletes: senior quarterback James Miller, junior wide receiver Chris Darnell, and sophomore linebacker Alex Hartman. These three players were pivotal to the team’s success in the previous season and were expected to lead the team into the upcoming campaign. Their sudden and tragic deaths have sent shockwaves through the university, the college football community, and their families.
James Miller, who had been the Buckeyes’ starting quarterback for the past two seasons, was known for his leadership, strong arm, and poise under pressure. He was projected to be a top NFL draft prospect and had been preparing for the upcoming Combine. Chris Darnell, a dynamic wide receiver with exceptional speed and hands, was expected to be one of the top playmakers for Ohio State next season. Alex Hartman, a relentless linebacker known for his tackling ability and football IQ, was a cornerstone of the team’s defense. All three players had built a reputation not just as athletes, but as leaders and role models for the younger players on the team.
In addition to the players, several team personnel and members of the traveling party also lost their lives in the crash, while others sustained injuries ranging from mild to critical. The university has confirmed that the families of the victims are being supported during this incredibly difficult time, and counseling services have been made available to those affected.
The tragic accident has left the entire Ohio State football program in a state of mourning. Head coach Ryan Day expressed his heartbreak in a statement, saying, “James, Chris, and Alex were more than just athletes to us—they were brothers, friends, and incredible young men who touched everyone around them. Our hearts are broken, and we stand united in grief with their families.”
As the Ohio State community reflects on the tremendous loss, a vigil is being planned in honor of the victims, with thousands expected to attend and remember the lives that were tragically taken too soon. This horrific event has not only shaken the football team but the entire Buckeye Nation, as fans, coaches, and players alike struggle to process the loss of their beloved teammates.
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