Ben Flick Dead, Two Other Bearcats Injured In Late Night Car Accident

Sep 21, 2013; Oxford, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats head coach Tommy Tuberville talks with an official during a game against the Miami (Oh) Redhawks at Fred Yager Stadium. Cincinnati won 14-0. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Absolutely horrendous news coming out of the University of Cincinnati this morning that freshman offensive lineman Ben Flick, a local kid from Hamilton, Ohio, died in a car accident late last night.

But the news gets even worse. It sounds like two other Bearcats were also in the same car as Flick, freshman wide receivers Mark Barr and Javon Harrison. They avoided the same fate but appear to be injured.

The University of Cincinnati has released an official statement on the tragedy.

"University of Cincinnati football student-athlete Ben Flick (Hamilton, Ohio/Hamilton) died and Mark Barr (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas) and Javon Harrison (Dayton, Ohio/Huber Hts. Wayne) were injured in a single-vehicle accident in Hanover Township Saturday night.Flick was pronounced dead at the scene. He was 19 years old.The crash occurred around 10:30 p.m. on Stahlheber Road near Morman Road in Butler County.Barr and Harrison were transported to UC Medical Center via helicopter along with the driver of the vehicle, whose name has not been released. Barr and the driver are in critical condition and Harrison is in stable condition.The three student-athletes, all true freshmen, had attended the Bearcats’ 14-0 win over rival Miami (Ohio) in Yager Stadium earlier Saturday, but due to redshirting this season, did not dress or travel with the team.“I can’t put into words how tragic this is,” Head Coach Tommy Tuberville said. “As a father and a coach, it’s something you hope you never have to go through. Ben was so proud to be a part of this team and University. He worked hard and had shown a great deal of improvement since the summer. His future was bright. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Flick family on their loss. We also hope and pray for Mark and Javon to recover from their injuries.”UC Director of Athletics Whit Babcock offered support to the families and the Bearcats football team.“The Bearcats family has suffered a great tragedy,” Babcock said. “All three young men are great representatives of the University and their team. Our hearts go out to all the families involved. We are doing all we can to help and support them along with the rest of our student-athletes.”"

Cincy on the Prowl will keep all three Bearcats and their families in our prayers. I’m sure you’ll do the same. Rumors have been swirling about alcohol being involved in the accident which makes this news sting even more. After the thrill of the victory over the Miami Redhawks yesterday, the complete 180 of emotions right now is unbelievable. I’m truly numb reading all of the news surrounding this. Just a terrible, terrible day.