April 22 (UPI) -- Former Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball player and NBA hopeful Terrence Clarke was killed in a car accident Thursday in the Los Angeles area, officials said. He was 19.
Los Angeles Police Department Sergeant John Matassa, who works in the Valley Traffic Division, said the crash occurred at 2:10 p.m. PT in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles. According to Matassa, Clarke ran a red light at a high rate of speed and struck a vehicle turning left.
"The incident was captured on surveillance video," Matassa said. "He collided with another vehicle that was preparing to make a left-handed turn. He struck the vehicle, hit a street light pole and ultimately hit a block wall."
Matassa said Clarke was transported to Northridge Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. ESPN reported that Clarke's mother was at his side when he died.
Clarke, who was leaving a workout with former Kentucky teammate Brandon Boston Jr., wasn't wearing his seatbelt properly, according to police. Clarke was the only occupant of the car.
The driver of the vehicle that Clarke hit didn't claim any injuries, police said.
"We are saddened and devastated by the tragic loss of Terrence Clarke," Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN in a statement. "Terrence was an incredible, hard-working young man. He was excited for what was ahead of him and ready to fulfill his dreams. Our prayers go out to Terrence and his family, who ask for privacy during this difficult time."
Clarke announced last month that he was entering this year's NBA Draft. He signed with Paul's Klutch Sports agency earlier this week.
Clarke, a 6-foot-7 guard and Boston native, was limited to eight games this past season because of a right leg injury. He made six starts and averaged 9.6 points, 2.6 rebounds and two assists per game in what was his freshman year at Kentucky.
"I am absolutely gutted and sick tonight," Kentucky men's basketball head coach John Calipari said in a statement. "A young person who we all love has just lost his life too soon, one with all of his dreams and hopes ahead of him. Terrence Clarke was a beautiful kid, someone who owned the room with his personality, smile and joy.
"People gravitated to him, and to hear we have lost him is just hard for all of us to comprehend right now. We are all in shock. Terrence's teammates and brothers loved him and are absolutely devastated. They know we are here for them for whatever they need."
Calipari also said he was on his way to Los Angeles to support Clarke's mother and brother.
"I am on my way to Los Angeles to be with his mother and his brother to help wherever I can," he said. "This will be a difficult period for all those who know and love Terrence, and I would ask that everyone take a moment tonight to say a prayer for Terrence and his family. May he rest in peace."
Clarke is survived by his parents, Osmine Clarke and Adrian Briggs, and his three siblings, Tatyana Gray, Gavin Clarke and Madison Adrianne.
