UPDATE: EKU releases statement on death of student

RICHMOND, Ky. (WTVQ) – Officials at Eastern Kentucky University have issued a statement regarding the loss of one of their students in a fatal traffic accident on Tuesday.

Richmond police say a car driven by 18-year-old EKU student Tyler Hughes ran into the back of a cement truck as the truck waited at a red light on the Richmond bypass.  Police think Hughes didn’t hit the brake, and think he may have been blinded by the sun.

Hughes was killed in the accident.  Three passengers in his vehicle were taken to UK hospital, and another was taken to Baptist Health Hospital in Richmond.  All of the passengers were also EKU students.

The statement from EKU is as follows: “The Eastern Kentucky University community mourns the loss of Tyler Hughes and our thoughts are with his family, friends, classmates and professors.  Counseling services are available to students who may need assistance and the University will work to support the well-being of students who are recovering both physically and emotionally.”