(ANGOLA) - The Trine University community is mourning the tragic loss of Fred Garland.

Garland, a Trine University student and a member of the national championship men's basketball team, died December 11 in a car accident in Calhoun County Michigan Emmett Township. The 22 year old Garland was a senior from Detroit, majoring in sports management.

Trine men’s basketball Head Coach Brooks Miller says Fred had an incredible work ethic on and off the court, and that propelled him to success as a person, student and basketball player. Miller says Fred’s winning smile brightened everyone's day whenever he was around. He says there is a huge hole in the heart of Thunder basketball today, and they are all thinking of and praying for the whole Garland family.

Trine President Dr. Earl Brooks III says it is unspeakably tragic when this happens to someone in the prime of life. He says his heart goes out to Fred's family, to the Thunder men's basketball team and coaching staff and to everyone here on Trine's campus who knew and cared for Fred.

Brooks says the thoughts and prayers of the entire university go out to each one who was impacted, but especially to Fred's family during this time.

Funeral arrangements will be shared once they are released by the family.