After tragic car crash, Wisconsin basketball announces assistant coach Howard Moore's son as starter
The family of Wisconsin basketball assistant coach Howard Moore suffered an unspeakable tragedy earlier this year, when the coach and his family were hit in their car by a drunk driver.
Moore’s wife Jennifer and daughter Jaidyn, as well as the driver in the other car, were killed in the crash. Moore was severely burned and fell into a coma, and has since had to step away from coaching after suffering a heart attack during his recovery. Moore’s son Jerrell was also in the car, but escaped with minor injuries.
As the Moore family tries to heal, the Wisconsin basketball program invited Jerrell to the team’s home opener at the Kohl Center on Friday. It went so far as to announce the youth as a starter for the team against Eastern Illinois.
This is why sports are special:
Assistant coach Howard Moore lost his daughter and wife in a May car accident. He survived along with his son, Jerrell.
Tonight @BadgerMBB announced Jerrell as part of the starting lineup: pic.twitter.com/GFHN3Z2IXP— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 9, 2019
Moore was also honored in a pregame ceremony during the opener, with a tribute video, moment of silence and announcement of the team’s motto as “Do Moore, Be Moore, 4 Moore” this season.
Moore’s parents were on hand to thank the program for its support.
Wisconsin basketball honored Assistant Coach Howard Moore and his family Friday following a tragic car accident in May. @badgermbb pic.twitter.com/4B6X7vZHkG
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) November 9, 2019
“On behalf of the Moore and Burns family, we would like to thank everyone for the love and support you have given us. And like how coach Howard Moore always says, ‘once a Badger is always a Badger.’ Go Badgers,” Moore’s mother said.
Wisconsin announced the establishment of the Howard Moore Family Fund, through which fans go donate to support the family as it recovers.
More from Yahoo Sports: