3 SU Human Jukebox band members killed while changing tire on side of I-49 in Natchitoches Parish

NATCHITOCHES PARISH, La. (KSLA) - Three people were killed in a crash in Natchitoches Parish on Tuesday night (Dec. 6).

The Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office says just after 7 p.m. Tuesday, personnel from multiple law enforcement agencies responded to a two-vehicle wreck on I-49 N near Powhatan.

According to the coroner’s office, three people were killed. The coroner’s office has identified them as Broderick Moore, 19, of Cedar Hill, Texas, Tyran Williams, 19, of Dallas, and Dylan Young, 21, of Dallas.

Kedric Taylor, director of bands at Southern University and A&M College, confirmed three students passed away in the accident, KSLA’s sister station WAFB reports. Two of the students played tuba, while the other was a percussionist.

The initial investigation from Louisiana State Police says a 1999 Jeep Laredo was stalled on the shoulder of I-49 N. Those inside the Jeep were trying to change a flat tire.

For reasons still under investigation, a 1997 Freightliner being driven by a 62-year-old man from Coushatta that was headed north on I-49 drifted onto the shoulder and hit the left side of the Jeep. All three people who were outside of the car were hit.

Moore, Williams, and Young were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the 18-wheeler was not hurt, LSP says. A toxicology sample was taken for analysis.

Trooper Casey Wallace with LSP says the driver of the 18-wheeler could be charged. “We’re going to leave it open, but that is something that we are looking into.”

The president of the university, Dennis Shields, sent out a statement Wednesday morning. It reads:

“Dear Southern University Community,

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the news of the tragic deaths of three of our students who reportedly succumbed to injuries in a vehicular accident on Tuesday evening in Natchitoches Parish. Our thoughts are with their families, friends, classmates and other loved ones. All three young men were members of the Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band, to which we also extend our condolences.

“Southern University students, I know that the sudden loss of a classmate or friend can be devastating. I encourage you to reach out to someone you trust to talk about your feelings. Know that the University Counseling Center is here to assist you. You can visit the Center, email counselingcenter@subr.edu or call 225-771-2480 during normal University business hours. You can also call the Holistic Behavior 24-Hour Crisis Hotline any time at 225-368-9602. For other resources, go to //subr.edu/counselingcenter. Employees can also find community resources here.

“While information is still being gathered during this difficult time, we fully respect the privacy of the families of our beloved students. We will share ways to remember them in the near future.”

Taylor, the university’s band director, released the following statement on Facebook Wednesday afternoon:

“I am at a loss for words and utterly devastated to hear the news that three of my band members lost their lives in a vehicle collision Tuesday night. Tyran Williams, Dylan Young, and Broderick Moore were some of the most promising, humble and talented student musicians I’ve had the pleasure of instructing. The dedication and work ethic they displayed to the Human Jukebox was inspiring.

We appreciate the outpouring of love, prayers and support being shown to our Jukebox family, the Southern University community, and to the family and loved ones of these young men. As we work to process through this devastating loss, we ask that you please respect the privacy of the families and school community of Broderick, Tyran, and Dylan.

In the coming days, we will share details on how we will memorialize and celebrate the lives of these student musicians.”

Louisiana State Police Troop E is still investigating the wreck.

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