Two Eastern Michigan students killed in auto accident

Two Eastern Michigan University students, one a member of the women's basketball team, were killed in an auto accident in Ypsilanti Township early Sunday morning, the school announced.

Shannise Heady, 21, a junior forward from Hazel Crest, Ill., died in the accident on Hewitt Road near Michigan Avenue shortly before 1 a.m. The other student was Jordan Hopkins, 23, from Dexter.

The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office said Heady was the driver of the vehicle and Hopkins was the passenger. It said Heady's vehicle was heading north on Hewitt, crossed the center lane and struck another vehicle head-on.

Heady and Hopkins were pronounced dead on the scene.

The driver of the southbound vehicle, a 22-year-old male from Ann Arbor, was transported to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital. He had non-life threatening injuries, the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office said.

Persons with information about the crash are asked to call the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office confidential tip line at (734) 973-7711 or Deputy Douglas McMullen at (734) 714-9906.

Heady transferred to Eastern from Seton Hall University prior to the 2013-14 season and played in 22 games after missing the first four due to NCAA transfer rules.

This season Heady played in 17 games, starting 10. She averaged 7.9 points and 23.2 minutes per game.

"Obviously this is one of our toughest days as a program and for the entire Eagle Nation as we mourn the loss of Shannise," said EMU women's basketball coach Tory Verdi. "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."

Said EMU athletic director Heather Lyke: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Shannise and have tremendous empathy for the families. Our prayers for peace are with them. Shannise lit up the room with her personality and smile and will be missed in our locker room and the department."