A Massachusetts college student died Wednesday when a van transporting the student and her rowing team collided with a pickup truck on a Florida thoroughfare.
A van transporting the Holy Cross women's rowing team collided with a pickup truck about 7 a.m. Wednesday near Barber Bridge in Vero Beach, Florida. About noon, officials announced that one person, 20-year-old Grace Rett, was killed and 12 others were hospitalized after the crash, according to Boston ABC news station WCVB. One of the coaches drove the van involved in the crash, authorities told the station.
“Unfortunately, there is one confirmed fatality, and it was a member of the team,” Vero Beach Police Chief David Curry said. "The female was in the front passenger side of the first van that was being driven by one of the coaches."
Credit: Via WCVB Facebook page
Credit: Via WCVB Facebook page
According to the news outlet, Rett was a Holy Cross sophomore and star athlete, who had set a world record in indoor rowing, at one time rowing more than 62 hours in one instance. Rett had just celebrated her 20th birthday on Tuesday, police said.
NEW: Holy Cross confirmed that Grace Rett, a 20-year-old sophomore, passed away in today's crash.
— Max Chesnes (@MaxChesnes) January 15, 2020
It appears Rett was a star rower and athlete. According to this feature by @WCVB, Grace set a world record for indoor rowing, going for 62 hours straight: https://t.co/ydTAkLxPYQ
“This morning, members of the Holy Cross women's rowing team were involved in a serious crash while traveling in Florida. The college is in contact with authorities in Florida and is in the process of gathering more information,” the school said in a statement. “Holy Cross has been in touch with the families of those students and coaches and are offering support for all those involved.”
The Vero Beach Fire Department reported that three victims were transported by helicopter, according to Boston's CBS station WBZ-4. Another four of the victims were taken by ambulance and four others were transported just as a precaution.
Brian Colgon, the director of the Vero Beach Rowing Club, said the van was headed to the club to train for the day.
The victims have not been identified.
Several loved ones and supporters of the Holy Cross women’s rowing team sent messages of support Wednesday afternoon.
Police said preliminary investigation suggests that the van driver may have failed to yield, causing the crash.
