USI's Jeron Lewis Dies After Hitting His Head on Court

USI's Jeron Lewis Dies After Hitting His Head on Court

5:09

UPDATE 11:00AM



EVANSVILLE - The University of Southern Indiana will hold a press conference Friday afternoon to address the passing of senior basketball player Jeron Lewis.

Lewis passed away at OMHS after suffering an injury during a game against Kentucky Wesleyan College Thursday night. Video shows Lewis falling and hitting his head on the floor towards the end of the game.

An autopsy is being conducted Friday morning in Madisonville.

Lewis is survived by his infant son, fiancée, mother and sister.

President of Kentucky Wesleyan Dr. Cheryl King issued a statement on Friday regarding the tragedy.

King said, "Our hearts go out to the Lewis family and the USI community in their loss. We will always remember Jeron as a great competitor and an outstanding student athlete. Our prayers are with his family."

Friday's press conference is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. NEWS 25 will be streaming it LIVE here on news25.us.

UPDATE 12:05AM

OWENSBORO, KY – University of Southern Indiana senior center Jeron Lewis died Thursday evening at Owensboro Medical Health Center after suffering an injury towards the end of the Eagles game at Kentucky Wesleyan College.

USI senior center Jeron Lewis collapsed on the court with just over four minutes to play of the Eagles game at Kentucky Wesleyan College. He was rushed to Owensboro Medical Health Center.

Lewis is a 6'8" 260 pound center from Fort Wayne, IN.

NEWS 25's Randall Parmley was at the Sportscenter when it happened and reported that it is unknown whether Lewis was conscious when he was taken by stretcher into an ambulance.

On video you can see Lewis falling and coming down on his head with great force.

After USI won 74-69, Eagles head coach Rodney Watson got on the PA system and asked the fans at the Sportscenter to pray for Jeron Lewis.

Daviess County Coroner Bob Howe confirmed to NEWS 25 that Jeron Lewis died Thursday evening at Owensboro Medical Health Center. An autopsy is scheduled Friday morning in Madisonville.

"The University community is heartbroken with the passing of this outstanding young man," said USI President Linda L.M. 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."

Lewis is survived by his infant son, fiance, mother and sister.



UPDATE 10:35PM

The Daviess County Coroner Bob Howe has confirmed to NEWS 25 that Jeron Lewis has died. An autopsy is scheduled Friday morning in Madisonville.

UPDATE 9:53PM

Owensboro Medical Health System spokesperson confirms to NEWS 25 that Jeron Lewis is in critical condition.

UPDATE 9:47pm

USI Sports Information Director Ray Simmons told NEWS 25 that Jeron Lewis hit his head on the floor after falling.

UPDATE 9:39pm

After USI won 74-69, Eagles head coach Rodney Watson got on the PA system and asked the fans at the Sportscenter to pray for Jeron Lewis.

9:24pm -- 1.14.10

OWENSBORO - USI senior center Jeron Lewis collapsed on the court towards the end of the Eagles game at Kentucky Wesleyan. Lewis fell to the floor on his own. NEWS 25's Randall Parmley is at the Sportscenter and reports that it is unknown whether Lewis was conscious when he was taken by stretcher into an ambulance.

Lewis is a 6'8" 260 pound center from Fort Wayne, IN.

We will update the story as details become available.