NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Two Stephen F. Austin State University students were involved in a deadly crash in East Texas last week.
The school said Micah McAfoose and Graylan Spring were in the accident just north of Corrigan on Friday afternoon. According to SFA head football coach Colby Carthel, the crash involved an 18-wheeler.
It's unclear what happened, but McAfoose was killed in the crash. Spring was taken to a hospital in the Houston area in critical condition. The school announced Spring died on Sunday.
SFA's Athletics Department released the following statement:
"The entire SFA family is devastated by the tragic loss of football student-athlete Graylan Spring and baseball student-athlete Micah McAfoose. Grayland and Micah were two special people who meant so much to Stephen F. Austin, our football and baseball programs and our athletic department. We ask that everyone keep their families in your prayers during this difficult time."
Spring, who played football in Austin at Vandegrift High School, was known for his positive attitude, according to SFA Football Chief of Staff Derek Whoolery. They said Spring was a positive young man who enjoyed everyone on the team.
Vandegrift's football Twitter account echoed those sentiments saying, "Always smiling, a friend to everyone, truly inspiring to anyone that knew you."
Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page was set up to help McAfoose's family with expenses and the university is providing counseling assistance for anyone who needs it.
According to the Cy Ranch baseball team's Facebook page, McAfoose was coming home for the weekend. He played baseball at the high school and graduated in 2022. He also wore #22.
"Many of you know his parents, especially his mom sitting in the stands with her Waffle Shirt because Micah would get Waffle House if he hit a home run," a post on the page said. "Everyone knows how much personality Micah had. He literally was the light and joy for many, comedian for many, confidant for many, friend of ALL. He was a brother, cousin, teammate, student and most of all a son that will be dearly missed by everyone that knew him."
Interim SFA President Dr. Steve Westbrook ordered for the school flag at the entrance to the campus to be flown at half-staff in their honor.
