Ex-NCAA basketball standout dies at 29 from car accident
Former University of Maryland guard Cliff Tucker died Monday from injuries he sustained in a car accident on Interstate 10 in Texas, the school announced.
He was 29.
The El Paso Times reported Tucker was returning home to El Paso from San Antonio in a van with several other people Monday morning when the tread on the vehicle’s right rear tire separated. The Ford Transit lost control and rolled over.
Two other people were killed in the one-vehicle accident, and four more, including the driver, were injured.
Tucker played in 131 games for coach Gary Williams from 2007 to 2011 — 12th most in program history — and was a member of two NCAA tournament teams.
“Cliff was a great teammate willing to do whatever it took to make us champions,” Williams said in a statement Monday. “One of the great things about coaching is getting to know each player and their passion for their family, life and basketball. That’s what makes this so difficult. He touched everyone who was a part of his life.”
Tucker excelled from beyond the arc. As a senior, he led Maryland in 3-pointers made with 41, and he ranks in the school’s top 20 all-time in 3-point field goal percentage (.352).
His most memorable shot came in College Park in 2010, when he hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to beat Georgia Tech and help the Terps win the ACC title.
News of Tucker’s death brought an outpouring of grief and tributes from former teammates, friends and fans.
The Maryland basketball family is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Cliff Tucker ('11). Our hearts go out to the Tucker family during this time.
We love you Cliff.
?: https://t.co/qMvYcxAiBE pic.twitter.com/gjC2qBY8T7
— Maryland Basketball (@TerrapinHoops) May 29, 2018
Cliff Tucker and I had great moments. He was a great player, but even a better person.
My prayers are with his family and his beloved ones.
Cliff, I will always remember that last shot against Georgia Tech. You will be missed, but I know you will always be with us #RIP pic.twitter.com/E7zdPlKaCL
— Greivis Vasquez (@greivisvasquez) May 29, 2018
?As I look thru ur old file I can vividly see u telling me your goals were 1) be a Terp 2) graduate & play professionally 3) become the best dad u can be. Guest what young fella!? #MissionAccomplished & #LivesTouched at every stop. ??&Condolences to the entire family!! RIH❤️ pic.twitter.com/lzycsIiVvT
— Keith Booth (@KeithBooth) May 29, 2018
We grew up watching you and wanting to be just like you as kids. Life is honestly too short. Rest In Paradise Cliff Tucker. ?? @ChapinHuskiesFB pic.twitter.com/9O5WJrpxwD
— Binc™️ (@CB_Da5h) May 28, 2018
Please pray for our family. Cliff was my favorite cousin and I love him and miss him so much. His daughter Dri Dri and her mother are in critical condition so please pray that they make it through. My heartaches. Thanks @TerrapinHoops #?
— Micheal (@Micheal_Welch21) May 29, 2018
https://twitter.com/abaek5/status/1001257487008329728
Before he joined the Terps, Tucker starred in both basketball (21.4 points and 10.1 rebounds per game) and football (939 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns) at Chapin High School in El Paso.
“Cliff meant a lot to El Paso, he meant a lot to the community here in the Northeast part of the city,” former Chapin basketball coach Toraino Johnson told the El Paso Times. “He was a great person who accomplished so much.”
Added Chapin football coach Rene Hernandez: “It’s devastating news. He was a great person, a great athlete, just great to be around.”
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