Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim hits, kills man with car

Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Syracuse basketball coach Jim Boeheim hit and killed a pedestrian with his car while on a highway after the Orange's game against Louisville in New York.

Onondaga County district attorney Bill Fitzpatrick told WSYR that the man was outside of his car on Interstate 690 following another unrelated accident which occurred due to bad weather. Syracuse police told Syracuse.com and USA Today that Boeheim's vehicle hit the man late Wednesday night. Police were called to the scene at 11:22 p.m.

The 74-year-old had just coached Syracuse to a 69-49 win against Louisville at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, N.Y.

Jorge Jimenez, 51, has been identified as the victim of the collision. He was transported to Upstate University Hospital before being pronounced dead. Police said Jimenez was a passenger in a car that lost control on the highway before hitting a guardrail. He was walking near the vehicle when he was hit by Boeheim's car.

Police said that both drivers tested negative during field sobriety and alco-sensor tests. Fitzpatrick said Boeheim was driving at an appropriate speed and is cooperating with the police investigation.

"I am heartbroken that a member of our community died as the result of last night's accident," Boeheim said in a news release from Syracuse. "Juli and I extend our deepest sympathies to the Jimenez family. Out of respect for those involved, I will not be providing further comment at this time."

Boeheim has been the head coach at Syracuse since 1976. He ranks No. 2 all-time in career victories for a men's basketball head coach, trailing only Duke's Mike Krzyzewski.

"We are saddened by the death of a member of our Central New York community," Syracuse athletic director John Wildhack said.

"On behalf of Chancellor Kent Syverud and the entire Syracuse University community, we extend our deepest condolences to all impacted by this tragic accident. Coach Boeheim is in contact with local authorities and cooperating fully. Out of respect for those grieving, there will be no further comment at this time."