Angola, Indiana has been hit hard by the news of the untimely death of student-athlete Fred Garland. This young man's life was cut short in a crash on Wednesday evening in Michigan. Michigan State Police report that the incident occurred around 10 p.m. along westbound I-94 in Calhoun County. Garland was the lone occupant of the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Garland's Impact on Trine University

The 22-year-old Detroit native was a vital part of the national championship men's basketball team. Earlier this year, he and the team were honored at the White House during its second annual White House College Champions Day. His presence on and off the court was truly remarkable.He had an unwavering work ethic that drove him to success in various aspects of his life. As a person, student, and basketball player, he set an example for others. His winning smile had the power to brighten everyone's day. Currently, there is a significant void in the heart of Thunder basketball. The entire Trine University community is thinking of and praying for the Garland family.The university highlights Garland's achievements. Last season, he earned First Team all-conference honors in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA), marking the second time he was named to an All-MIAA team. He was the team's second-leading scorer, averaging 13.4 points per game and ranking sixth in the MIAA. As a sport management major, he was also the team's leading three-point shooter with a 44.4% success rate and fifth in the conference in total field goal percentage at 52.9%. Additionally, he was the team's leading assist man, dishing out 3.2 assists per game.With his positive attitude and dedication to performing at his best, Fred Garland was the epitome of a student-athlete. His absence will be deeply felt across the entire Trine University campus.Funeral arrangements will be shared by the university once they are made known by the family. It is an unspeakably tragic event when such a thing happens to someone in the prime of life. The university extends its heartfelt condolences to Fred's family, the Thunder men's basketball team and coaching staff, and everyone on campus who knew and cared for Fred. The thoughts and prayers of the entire university community are with each one who has been impacted, especially the Garland family during this difficult time.