Cincinnati lineman Ben Flick dies in car accident, 2 teammates injured
HANOVER TWP., Ohio -- University of Cincinnati freshman offensive lineman Ben Flick, 19, has died and two of his Bearcats teammates injured after a single-car accident Saturday night in Butler County.
UC confirmed Flick’s death Sunday morning in a press release.
Flick was a freshman from Hamilton, Ohio. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Also injured in the accident were freshmen wide receivers Mark Barr of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and Javon Harrison of Dayton. They and the driver of the car, whose name has not been released, were transported to UC Medical Center via helicopter. Barr and the driver are in critical condition, while Harrison is in stable condition.
According to the Hamilton Journal-News, the investigation by the Butler County Sherriff’s Office suggests that alcohol may have been a factor in the accident.
The three players, all being red-shirted, attended UC’s 14-0 win against Miami in Oxford Saturday afternoon. Players being red-shirted do not dress or travel with the team.
“I can’t put into words how tragic this is,” UC head coach Tommy Tuberville said in a release from the school. “As a father and a coach, it’s something you hope you never have to go through. Ben was so proud to be a part of this team and University. He worked hard and had shown a great deal of improvement since the summer. His future was bright. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Flick family on their loss. We also hope and pray for Mark and Javon to recover from their injuries.”
UC athletic director Whit Babcock also offered his condolences.
“The Bearcats family has suffered a great tragedy,” Babcock said. “All three young men are great representatives of the University and their team. Our hearts go out to all the families involved. We are doing all we can to help and support them along with the rest of our student-athletes.”
