97.1 The Ticket -- The younger brother of Michigan State point guard Cassius Winston was reportedly struck and killed by a train Saturday night in Albion, Mich.
Zachary Winston was struck by an Amtrak train around 7:30 p.m.,
according to a report from the Detroit Free Press. Winston, 19, was a graduate of Detroit University of Jesuit High School and was a sophomore on the Albion College basketball team, along with their youngest brother, Khy. Their team played against Cassius and Michigan State in an exhibition game at the Breslin Center last month, though Zachary didn't play, due to an injury.
Here was Cassius with his brothers Zach and Khy Winston just a week and a half ago when Albion scrimmaged #MSU. Heartbreaking news of Zach’s passing. @wilxTV pic.twitter.com/AX7hodnaeC
— Seth Wells (@SethWILXSports)
November 10, 2019 WWMT out of Kalamazoo reported late Saturday night that Wolverine Train 355, bound for Chicago, struck a pedestrian on the tracks near Erie Street in Albion. The Albion Department of Public Safety confirmed that the victim was a 19-year-old male student at the college, but did not release his name.
In a statement Sunday afternoon, Albion police said: "At approximately 8:30 PM on Saturday, November 9, 2019, a 19 year old Albion College student intentionally walked in front of a westbound Amtrak train tragically ending his life. The collision occurred at the pedestrian crossing just west of the Erie St crossing. The students family has been notified, but we are not releasing the name of the student at this time."
"As a community, our hearts are broken today as we share the news of the passing of one of our students, Zachary Winston," Albion College president Mauri Ditzler said in a statement Sunday afternoon. "Zach was a finance major, a student in the Gerstacker Institute for Business and Management, and member of the Albion College men’s basketball team. Beyond that, he was an extremely charismatic young man with an infectious smile. Zach was a recognized leader who was well known across every facet of our campus, He was a fantastic student with a world of potential before him. He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed."
Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo, on behalf of the basketball program, said in a statement Sunday afternoon "our hearts are filled with sorrow for the Winston family."
"It's impossible to find the right words in this moment, other than to say that we will support the family in whatever way they need," the statement said.
Winston was in the Spartans' starting lineup Sunday night against Binghamton.
Senior guard Cassius Winston is in the starting lineup tonight as the Spartans play Binghamton at 7 p.m.
— Michigan State Basketball (@MSU_Basketball)
November 10, 2019 Several former Spartans took to social media Sunday to offer their condolences to the Winston family.
RIH Z smoothie ❤️ much love to you bro ❤️
— Nick Ward (@IamNickWard)
November 10, 2019 Prayers up for my brother Cash and the rest of the Winston family man. Smoothie was like a lil brother to me damn this one hit home
— Miles Bridges (@MilesBridges)
November 10, 2019 Keep Cash and the whole Winston family in your prayers. It’s Sad day for everyone. Rest in paradise Z. U were a real one till the end and you will be remembered by everyone who was touched by your energy. Thank you
— JJJ (@jarenjacksonjr)
November 10, 2019 Others from around the world of college basketball also offered their condolences, including Butler coach and Albion native LaVall Jordan and former Michigan and UD Jesuit player Jordan Morgan.
Tragic. Great family. Praying hard for you all. ------------Michigan State star Cassius Winston's brother dies after being hit by train https://t.co/6xpQw2CoS0
— LaVall Jordan (@LaVall_Jordan)
November 10, 2019 Zach was a GREAT young man from an incredible family. I've been blessed to know him and his family a number of years through U of D and our work in the community at Heilmann. I am deeply saddened to hear that we lost another young man with so much potential WAY too soon.
— Jordan Morgan (@JustJMo)
November 10, 2019 This is so painful & unimaginable. Keep @MSU_Basketball’s Cassius Winston & his family in your prayers. Life has interrupted the basketball season. ------ https://t.co/DxDhjzVFgI
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla)
November 10, 2019 Our @marchmadness digital team has had the pleasure of interviewing and being around @MSU_Basketball Cassius Winston for a few years now. We are all heartbroken for him and his family and hope he can find strength and peace during this tragic time.
— Andy Katz (@TheAndyKatz)
November 10, 2019
