Boeheim says he’s “heartbroken” after fatal I-690 accident, extends “deepest sympathies” to victim

SYRACUSE, N.Y. — Syracuse University men’s basketball coach Jim Boeheim says he is “heartbroken” over the deadly car crash on Interstate-690 East near Thompson Road late Wednesday night.

Syracuse police say Boeheim, 74, of Fayetteville, struck and killed Jorge Jimenez, 51, of Syracuse, in the 11:22 p.m. accident.

“Juli and I extend our deepest sympathies to the Jimenez family. Out of respect for those involved, I will not be providing further comment at this time,” Boeheim said in a statement that Syracuse University released late Thursday morning.

Earlier, John Wildhack, Syracuse athletics director, also issued a statement.

 “We are saddened by the death of a member of our Central New York community. On behalf of Chancellor Kent Syverud and the entire Syracuse University community, we extend our deepest condolences to all impacted by this tragic accident. Coach Boeheim is in contact with local authorities and cooperating fully. Out of respect for those grieving, there will be no further comment at this time,” Wildhack said.

Accident details

Syracuse police say their investigation indicates that Jimenez was a passenger in a vehicle that had lost control on I-690 East near Thompson Road and hit a guard rail.

All the passengers got out of the vehicle “and proceeded to walk on the highway within close proximity to that vehicle,” per the police statement.

Boeheim noticed the disabled car and “tried avoiding the vehicle which was in the middle of the road.” Police say, as a result, Boeheim’s vehicle then “struck the victim who was standing on the side of the road.”

Jimenez was taken to Upstate University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Both Boeheim and the other vehicle’s driver remained on the scene and are cooperating with the investigation.

Field sobriety and alco-sensor tests for both drivers were “negative for any signs of impairment,” per the police statement.

Police have not issued any traffic tickets as of now, adding that “speeds cannot be determined at this time.”

This investigation is still “active and ongoing.” Anyone with information is asked to contact the Syracuse Police Department at (315) 442-5222. All calls will be kept confidential. Anonymous information may also be submitted by using the “SPD Tips” App, available on Android and iPhones.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com