Washburn University men's basketball coach Brett Ballard was seriously injured in a car crash in Kansas on Tuesday. The 46-year-old was driving alone when his Ford F-150 pickup truck reportedly struck a bridge pillar along the Kansas Turnpike.
A Kansas Highway Patrol accident report said Ballard's truck "left the roadway and went to the left, struck a delineator post, the embankment, and then a bridge pillar." Ballard, who played college basketball at the University of Kansas, is preparing for his ninth season in charge at Washburn.
University statement
Washburn president JuliAnn Mazachek released a statement on Wednesday morning. "We are deeply saddened to share that Coach Brett Ballard was seriously injured in a car accident last evening," Mazachek said.
"Our hearts are with Coach Ballard, his family, the men's basketball program and all who are affected during this difficult time," Mazachek said. "We ask our community to keep them in their thoughts during this time of recovery and to respect the family's privacy."
Mazachek added that the university will share additional information when appropriate.