A 51-year-old Syracuse pedestrian was struck and killed on I-690 by a vehicle driven by SU head basketball coach Jim Boeheim in what appears to be an accident, according to Onondaga County DA Bill Fitzpatrick.
Fitzpatrick confirms the man hit was already outside his vehicle, after being involved in an unrelated, single-car crash in the midst of bad weather.
There were three other people in the car that initially crashed.
The car involved in the initial crash hit a guardrail and became disabled near the Thompson Road exit.
The disabled vehicle was in the middle of the highway, according to Syracuse police.
Boeheim was passing by the crash after it happened, not long after his team finished its game at the Carrier Dome on Feb. 20.
Syracuse police say Boeheim attempted to avoid the disabled vehicle, but ended up hitting a pedestrian walking near the vehicle.
The victim, identified as 51-year-old Jorge Jimenez, was transported to Upstate University Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
Nexstar affiliate NewsChannel 9 spoke with Jimenez’s niece in Cuba over the phone, who said that Jorge came to Syracuse from Cuba. The family in Cuba is “saddened” by his death.
His niece tells NewsChannel 9 that Jorge had two sons in Syracuse and one daughter who lives in Florida.
According to police, Jimenez was a passenger in the vehicle.
Fitzpatrick confirms Boeheim went right to the police headquarters following the crash and is cooperating with investigators.
Boeheim did not test positive for drugs or alcohol, according to the DA and police.
Fitzpatrick also adds Coach Boeheim was driving at an appropriate speed.
No tickets have been issued.
Jim Boeheim issued the following statement on the accident:
I am heartbroken that a member of our community died as the result of last night’s accident. Juli and I extend our deepest sympathies to the Jimenez family. Out of respect for those involved, I will not be providing further comment at this time.
John Wildhack, the director of athletics at SU, issued the following statement:
We are saddened by the death of a member of our Central New York community. On behalf of Chancellor Kent Syverud and the entire Syracuse University community, we extend our deepest condolences to all impacted by this tragic accident. Coach Boeheim is in contact with local authorities and cooperating fully. Out of respect for those grieving, there will be no further comment at this time.
