Toledo freshman pole vaulter Eva Moran died at the age of 19 following a car crash Friday in Ohio, the university announced Saturday.
She was pronounced dead at Marion General Hospital after the accident, during which she was “ejected” from her vehicle, according to 13abc.com.
“There are no words to adequately express the sadness our team feels over the loss of Eva,” Toledo director of cross country and track and field Andrea Grove-McDonough said in the school’s release.
“She was a remarkable young woman whose energy, determination and kindness made an immediate impact on our program. Eva approached every practice, every competition and every challenge with a positive attitude and a genuine love for her teammates. She was eager to learn, eager to improve and proud to represent the University of Toledo. Our hearts are with Eva’s family, friends, teammates and everyone whose lives she touched. We will continue to honor her memory and the example she set for all of us.”
The three-car crash happened at 5:28 p.m. ET on May 29 on Round 309 in Claridon Township, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP), as reported by 13abc.com.
OSHP said Moran had been traveling eastbound but “failed to maintain assured clear distance ahead” when she hit the left rear of 19-year-old Nathaniel Blankenship’s stopped car, per the report.
Moran’s car then entered the westbound lane and was hit by a vehicle being driven by 23-year-old Dalila Zamudio, and the track and field star was “ejected” from her vehicle, according to police.
Blankenship had “possible” injuries, while Zamudio suffered minor injuries and landed in Marion General Hospital, OSHP told 13abc.com.
The crash reportedly was still being investigated, as of Saturday morning.
Moran, a native of Caledonia, Ohio, had a strong showing for the program during the Mid-American Conference outdoor championships.
She set a new career-best with 3.57m, which ranks sixth in school history, and finished 10th overall, according to the University.
Before enrolling at Toledo in 2024, Moran competed in basketball, cross country and and track for River Valley High School, per her school biography.
She set the pole vault record in 2024 for the Mid-Ohio Athletic Conference, while finishing seventh in the state in 2022 and fifth in 2024, according to the school.
Moran then opted to stay within her native state to attend college, and she was a health sciences major.
“The University of Toledo has so much to offer not only in the athletics but also has such an outstanding academic environment,” she said of why she choose Toledo in her school biography.
“Going to the University of Toledo is so exciting because there is so much room to grow to reach my full potential. I cannot wait to be a rocket and see what’s in store for me at the University of Toledo!”
Moran is survived by her parents, Alena and Derrek, brothers Maxxon and Jaxton, and sister Kyra, per the school.
“The University of Toledo community is heartbroken by the loss of Eva Moran,” Toledo vice president and director of athletics Tom Moreland said in the university’s release. “Eva was an outstanding student-athlete whose determination, character and positive spirit made an impact on everyone who had the opportunity to know her. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Eva’s parents, Alena and Derrek, and her siblings, Maddox, Jaxton and Kya. We ask that everyone keep Eva’s family and those closest to her in their thoughts during this incredibly difficult time.”
