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Police release name of wrong-way driver in crash that killed 3

Posted at 11:33 AM, May 26, 2019
and last updated 2019-05-26 12:11:04-04

(WXYZ) — Michigan State Police have released the name of a woman involved in a wrong-way crash that killed three, including herself on M-14 early Saturday.

Samantha Winchester, 23, of Ann Arbor, was the wrong-way driver involved in a crash that killed the wife and daughter of the Wisconsin Badgers Assistant Basketball Coach Howard Moore.

Police say Winchester was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes on M-14 in Superior Township Saturday around 2 a.m. before crashing into two vehicles, one with Moore and his family inside.

Police are still investigating the incident, and toxicology reports are pending.

Moore's wife, 46-year-old Jennifer Moore, and daughter, 9-year-old Jaidyn, both died from the crash.

Three vehicles were involved in the crash. Michigan State Police say the driver of a third car involved sustained minor injuries.

Moore and his son were also in injured in the crash and sustained non-life-threatening injuries. They're currently at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor.

The Wisconsin men's basketball released this statement regarding the family of Howard Moore:

Early Saturday morning, the University of Wisconsin athletic department learned of a tragic automobile accident in Michigan involving assistant men's basketball coach Howard Moore and his family. We were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Howard's wife, Jennifer, and their daughter Jaidyn. Howard and his son, Jerell, both suffered injuries but are expected to recover.

The Badgers athletics community is a tight-knit family and Howard has been a terrific ambassador for Wisconsin for nearly 30 years, dating back to days as a UW student athlete. Our hearts are with Howard and Jerell and we, as a community, will support and lift up the entire Moore and Barnes families.

"There are no words to describe how devastated we are for Howard and his family," head coach Greg Gard said. "Our basketball program is an extremely close family and we are all grieving for the Moore and Barnes families. Howard is so much more than a colleague and coach. He and Jen and their children are dear friends to everyone they meet. Their positivity and energy lift up those around them. We will miss Jen and Jaidyn dearly and we will put our arms around Howard and Jerell and the entire family, giving them love and support during this unspeakable time."

"I've known Howard ever since he was a student-athlete at Wisconsin and gotten to know his wonderful family through the years," director of athletics Barry Alvarez said. "He has always been an incredible representative of our athletic department and a positive influence on everyone around him. We are truly heart-broken for his family and will be doing everything possible to help him through this tragic time. Our prayers, love and support go out to the Moore and Barnes family."