Eastern Michigan women's basketball player killed in head-on collision

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Eastern Michigan women's basketball player Shannise Heady and another student passenger were killed early Sunday in a head-on collision, according to police and school officials.

The Washtenaw County sheriff's department said a vehicle driven by Heady, 21, veered over the road's center line and hit an oncoming vehicle around 1 a.m. Sunday in Ypsilanti Township, Mich. Heady and her passenger, 23-year-old Jordan Hopkins, died at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

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"Obviously this is one of our toughest days as a program and for the entire Eagle Nation as we mourn the loss of Shannise," EMU women's basketball head coach Tory Verdi said in a statement. "No words can describe the feelings right now as we are truly devastated to learn of her passing.  Shannise was not only an inspiration to all of us, but she brought energy and liveliness to our team. She was a true joy to coach and has left an everlasting  impression not only on me but the rest of our team as well. She will be missed greatly."

Heady, of Hazel Crest, Ill., was a junior forward at Eastern Michigan. She transferred there in January 2013 from Seton Hall.

The crash was under investigation.

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Brandon Schlager is an assistant managing editor at The Sporting News.