Indiana State football player Caleb VanHooser dies in car accident

Caleb VanHooser, who had just finished his first week of classes as a freshman at Indiana State University and was weeks away from suiting up for his first college football game, was one of three students killed in a single-vehicle accident on Sunday, his high school football team tweeted Sunday. Family members confirmed the news to the Cincinnati Enquirer.

"It is with (a) heavy heart that we mourn the loss of Caleb VanHooser, former Hawk great, and Indiana State football player who was called home to Heaven early this morning," Lakota East High School's football team tweeted Sunday afternoon. "We will never forget his contributions to our program."

VanHooser played defensive back and wide receiver at Lakota East High School, which is 26 miles outside of Cincinnati. He was named a First-Team Cincinnati Enquirer Fall All-Star in January. He also ran track for Lakota East. He committed to play football at Indiana State on July 3, 2021.

Related:Caleb VanHooser, Indiana State football player from Lakota East HS, killed in crash

The university announced Monday morning that the other two students who died in the crash were Christian Eubanks and sophomore Jayden Musili. Eubanks was a freshman on the football team. Musili was a sophomore student in his first year at Indiana State.

"It is a terrible day for Indiana State football and a devastating loss for both the Eubanks and the VanHooser families," Indiana State head football coach Curt Mallory said in a statement. "Both young men were quality individuals who were loved and respected by their teammates and this staff. To say they will be missed is an understatement. Our continued prayers and support are with their families, friends, and teammates during this difficult time."

A GoFundMe has been created to help with funeral expenses for VanHooser. As of Tuesday evening, it had raised more than $21,000 of its $25,000 goal.

Indiana State students began classes last Tuesday. The football team's first game is scheduled for Sept. 1 against North Alabama.

Tributes poured in from members of the Indiana State football team and campus community on Sunday.