The Little Rock men’s basketball team has been rocked by tragedy following the death of student manager Josh Claxton.
The Trojans announced the sad news on Saturday afternoon, revealing that Claxton had been killed in a car accident.
As a result of his death, Little Rock’s game against Eastern Illinois was postponed, with the school paying an emotional tribute to Claxton.
The manager was described as ‘a dedicated and integral member’ of the team and an ‘unbelievable kid’.
‘The players loved him, the coaching staff loved him, and he would do anything to help the team or the coaches,’ head coach Darrell Walker said.
‘Being a manager in whatever sport it is, football, basketball or baseball, is a thankless job. Josh loved it from sun till sundown. He will be truly missed. This is a bad loss for the Trojan family.’
Little Rock basketball has been rocked by the death of student manager Josh Claxton
He was described as an ‘unbelievable kid’
According to LinkedIn, Claxton had been on an internship as team manager since June.
He was slated to graduate next year with a master’s degree in sports management, having earned his bachelor’s degree in recreation and sports management from the University of Arkansas.
Director of athletics Frank Cuervo hailed Claxton’s ‘energy, positive spirit, and unwavering commitment to the team’ which ‘made a lasting impact on everyone he met.
‘He was not just a colleague but a true friend to many.’
Cuervo added that Claxton’s presence ‘will be deeply missed’.
‘Trojan Nation, Saturday morning the Little Rock men’s basketball team tragically lost student manager Josh Claxton in a car accident,’ the team said in a statement.
‘Due to these unforeseen circumstances, the game set for today vs. Eastern Illinois will be postponed.
‘The Little Rock Department of Athletics, Eastern Illinois, and the Ohio Valley conference are working collaboratively to make best efforts to reschedule the game for a later date.
‘Our thoughts are with Josh’s family and those who loved him. He will be greatly missed.’
