YPSILANTI TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Two Eastern Michigan students were killed Sunday morning in a head-on collision on Hewitt Road near Midvale Street in Ypsilanti Township. Shannise Heady, a member of the school's women's basketball team, and Jordan Hopkins, a fellow EMU student, were both killed in the accident.
Police say Heady, 21, was driving northbound when the car crossed the center line and hit a car heading southbound on the road. Hopkins, 23, was in the car with Heady.
Both students were pronounced dead at the scene. The 22-year-old Ann Arbor man driving the southbound car was taken to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
"This is a tragic loss," said EMU President Susan Martin. "We send our thoughts and prayers to Jordan's and Shannise's families and friends at this difficult time."
Heady was a junior majoring in health care administration. Hopkins, from Dexter, was a senior studying psychology.
"Obviously this is one of our toughest days as a program and for the entire Eagle Nation as we mourn the loss of Shannise," said EMU women's basketball coach Tory Verdi. "No words can describe the feelings right now as we are truly devastated to learn of her passing. Shannise was not only an inspiration to all of us, but she brought energy and liveliness to our team. She was a true joy to coach and has left an everlasting impression not only on me, but the rest of our team as well. She will be missed greatly."
EMU is offering counseling and support to anyone who is suffering from the loss. You can call 734-487-1118 to reach University Health Services.
Washtenaw police are investigating the crash. Anyone with information is asked to call 734-973-7711.