A former US college football star has tragically died aged 44 alongside his two young children.Advertisements
Zach Muckleroy was the CEO of Fort Worth construction company Muckleroy & Falls and a former Texas Christian University football player.
Muckleroy, his wife Lauren and their two children Judson, 12, and Lindsay, 9, were on their way to visit family in central Texas when tragedy struck.
Sadly, it has now been confirmed that Muckleroy and his children have passed away.
According to USA Today, Muckleroy and his family were involved in a fatal three-car collision near Johnson City, about 50 miles from Austin, on Wednesday, November 22.
Texas Highway Patrol responded to reports of a fatal crash at around 7:15pm – when a Toyota heading north on the highway drove across the solid double yellow lines into the opposing southbound lane, crashing into a Chevrolet SUV occupied by the Muckleroy family.
The third car, following closely behind the Muckleroy family hit their SUV before rolling.
Muckleroy and his two children were pronounced dead at the scene along with the driver of the Toyota.
Lauren was one of two people to survive the crash and was transported to a hospital in Austin.
According to Fox 4, she has undergone multiple surgeries and has been awake at times.
The collision investigation is still ongoing, as per USA Today.
Tributes have been paid to Muckleroy and his family – with a candlelight vigil being held at the University Christian Church in Fort Worth on Friday, November 24.
Senior minister Russ Peterman told Fox4 that multiple generations of Muckleroys grew up attending the Fort Worth church.
Speaking to the outlet, he said: “Zach was not only a member of the congregation but a friend as well. I love that family. Those kids are amazing. Lauren is a fighter.
“He was one of those guys that everybody knew and loved. I never heard a person say a negative word about him in any way, shape, or form. Not just him, his entire family,” Peterman said.
Peterman added that he has been receiving updates on Lauren’s condition and that she is aware that ‘she’s lost her family’.
“You can only imagine how hard that must be,” he continued.
Meanwhile, his company Muckleroy & Falls has paid tribute to their CEO in a Facebook post.
It reads: “Zach had a charisma about him and the uncanny ability to light up any room he walked into. He had a charitable heart that made lasting impacts on the Fort Worth Community. He treasured his family and was a proud alumni of TCU.
“He was passionate about the construction industry and led the Muckleroy & Falls team with a calming demeanour.
“We ask that you keep his wife, Lauren, parents, Harold and Pat, siblings, Alyson & Steve Gasper, and David and Madison Muckleroy in your prayers.”
