Terrance Howard, a standout football player from Texas, has tragically died just days after transferring to North Carolina Central University (NCCU).
Howard, a former University of Alabama athlete, was en route to join his new team when he was involved in a fatal accident near Salisbury, North Carolina on July 29.
Howard’s journey to North Carolina was meant to be a new chapter in his promising football career. The 19-year-old Houston native had secured a full scholarship to play for NCCU, an opportunity that reflected his talent and hard work on the field. Unfortunately, during the North Carolina portion of his trip, Howard’s life was cut short.
On Monday, Howard was driving on Interstate 85 when he was involved in a minor collision. According to his family, he exited his vehicle to check on the occupants of the other car involved in the crash. It was during this moment of concern for others that Howard was struck by another vehicle. He was subsequently transported to a hospital in Charlotte, where he fought on life support for several days before succumbing to brain trauma on Thursday night, August 1, according to his girlfriend’s mother.
Howard’s sudden passing has left both the NCCU and Alabama football communities in mourning. His mother, in an emotional statement, highlighted the support they received from both institutions. “The NCCU community has shown us tremendous support,” she shared. “Coach Nick Saban from Alabama also reached out to offer his condolences. It means a lot to us.”
Howard’s former high school, Ridge Point in Missouri City, Texas, also expressed their sorrow. Coaches and teammates remembered him as a dedicated and talented athlete. Doug Tigtig, whose daughter was Howard’s high school sweetheart, spoke fondly of him: “He wins people over right off the bat. Respectful, super funny, just life of the party, laughing all the time kind of guy.”
Brooke Tigtig, the mother of Howard’s girlfriend, provided insight into the aftermath of the accident. “When he was picked up, he didn’t have ID on him so he was considered a John Doe. He was taken to one hospital and transferred to another,” she said, highlighting the initial challenges faced by his family in being notified about his condition.
The family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from friends, fans, and even strangers. A GoFundMe campaign was established to help cover the medical expenses and the costs associated with bringing Howard back to Houston. The campaign quickly surpassed its goal, reflecting the community’s desire to support the family during this difficult time.
As the community continues to mourn, plans are being made to honor Howard’s memory both at NCCU and in his hometown. A memorial service is expected to be held in Houston, where friends and family will gather to celebrate his life and legacy. Howard’s story, while heart-wrenching, also serves as a testament to his character and the impact he had on those who knew him.