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January 14, 2003
Contact:
Tom Davis
Troy Office of University Relations
334/670-3196
tomdavis@troy.edu
Office of University Relations
253 Adams Administration
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3196
(334) 670-3274 (fax)
| TROY
STATE UNIVERSITY OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS PRESS RELEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 1-334-670-3196 |
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rodeo member killed, another injured in accident A two-car accident on U.S. Highway 231 killed one Troy State student and critically injured another on Monday night. Junior Brandon Barbee, from Blountstown, Fla., and freshman Matt Albritton, from Huntsville, Ala., were attempting to cross oncoming traffic shortly before 10:30 p.m., according to a police spokesman. Barbee, the driver, died instantly when his pickup truck was struck on the passenger side by a tractor-trailer truck traveling south on U.S. 231. Albritton was stabilized in Troy and then airlifted to UAB Medical Center in Birmingham. He was scheduled to undergo additional surgery to stop internal bleeding late Tuesday, but doctors are encouraged by his initial response, according to a source in contact with the family. He is listed in serious condition. Both students competed as members of Troy State’s first-year intercollegiate rodeo program this past fall and were expected to contribute during the team’s spring season. “This is certainly a tragic event, and our hearts and prayers go out the families of both young men,” Troy State Athletics Director Johnny Williams said. “Troy State University has suffered a tremendous loss, along with our rodeo program. Anytime a student-athlete is lost in the prime of his life, it is difficult to accept.” Barbee, also a member of Troy State’s Army ROTC unit and the Alabama National Guard unit based in Troy, transferred to Troy State from Chipola Junior College in Marianna, Fla., this past fall to become a part of the school’s inaugural rodeo program. He graduated from Blountstown High School in 1999 and was majoring in criminal justice. No details have been announced regarding services for Barbee. |