
Clint Keown Evansville Car Accident – ‘Tragic Loss of Legend’
Clint Keown, an Evansville sports legend, tragically died in a car accident on September 22, 2024. This article delves into the details of the accident, Keown’s remarkable life, and the community’s response to this devastating loss. We’ll explore his athletic achievements, his impact on the Evansville community, and the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.
Who was Clint Keown?
Clint Keown was born on February 25, 1980, and grew up to become one of Evansville’s most celebrated athletes. He made a name for himself in the 1990s as a standout performer in basketball, baseball, and football at Memorial High School. Keown’s athletic prowess was evident from a young age, and he quickly became a local sports icon.
As a basketball player at Memorial High School, Keown racked up an impressive 1,766 points, placing him among the top five scorers in the city’s history. His talent wasn’t limited to the basketball court, though. Keown also excelled in baseball and football, earning all-state honors as a receiver in football despite only playing for two years.
After high school, Keown’s athletic journey continued at the University of Evansville, where he played basketball from 1998 to 2001. During his time with the Aces, he scored nearly 500 points across 70 appearances and was a key member of the 1999 NCAA tournament team. Later, Keown transferred to Division II South Carolina-Aiken, where he showcased his versatility by excelling in both basketball and baseball.
What were Keown’s notable achievements?
Keown’s athletic accomplishments were nothing short of remarkable. Here’s a breakdown of his most notable achievements:
Sport | Achievements |
---|---|
Basketball | – 1,766 points at Memorial High School |
– Finished second in nation in scoring (24.7 ppg) at SC-Aiken in 2002 | |
Baseball | – Set conference record with 52 stolen bases at SC-Aiken in 2003 |
– Signed minor league contract with Cincinnati Reds | |
Football | – All-state receiver in high school |
Golf | – Played professionally on minor league tours |
– Finished second in the 2020 Evansville Men’s City Tournament |
Beyond his athletic feats, Keown was also a successful professional poker player, amassing $171,271 in lifetime earnings. He was known for his ability to excel in various sports and activities, earning him a reputation as a true all-around athlete.
What happened in the car accident?
The tragic accident that claimed Clint Keown‘s life occurred on September 22, 2024. Keown was driving back from a golf tournament in Robinson, Illinois, when the crash happened. Here are the key details of the accident:
- Location: The accident took place on Illinois 1 in Crawford County, Illinois, near County Road 900 North.
- Time: The wreck was reported shortly after 12 p.m.
- Vehicle: Keown was driving a Tesla.
- Circumstances: The car hit a guardrail, rolled several times, and landed in a ditch.
- Outcome: Keown, 44, died at the scene.
Crawford County Sheriff Bill Rutan described the stretch of road where the accident occurred as “very straight” with some hills but no curves. The sheriff’s office reached out to Tesla to try to obtain information from the car related to the wreck, including whether it was in self-driving mode at the time.
Who else was involved in the accident?
Matthew Redd, a passenger in Keown’s car, suffered serious injuries in the crash. Emergency crews initially attempted to transport Redd by helicopter, but due to unfavorable weather conditions, he was taken to an Evansville hospital by ambulance instead.
Redd’s condition was critical, with reports indicating that he had lost consciousness and was placed on a ventilator before deputies arrived at the hospital. The community has rallied around Redd and his family, showing support during this difficult time.
How has the community responded?
The news of Clint Keown’s death sent shockwaves through the Evansville community. The response has been overwhelming, with an outpouring of support for both the Keown and Redd families. Here are some ways the community has come together:
- GoFundMe campaign: A fundraiser for Matthew Redd raised over $75,000 in just a few days, demonstrating the community’s generosity and concern.
- Meal train: An initiative to provide meals for Keown’s family quickly surpassed its initial $500 goal, reaching $15,550.
- Social media tributes: Friends, family, and community members have shared heartfelt remembrances and stories about Keown on various social media platforms.
- University of Evansville statement: The university’s athletic department expressed deep sorrow at the loss of their alumnus, highlighting Keown’s positive attitude and dedication to the community.
What was Keown’s impact on the Evansville community?
Clint Keown’s influence extended far beyond his athletic achievements. He was known for his kindness, loyalty, and generosity. Here are some ways Keown made a lasting impact on Evansville:
- Mentorship: Keown was dedicated to mentoring and coaching young athletes, serving on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club.
- Community involvement: He was an active member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and participated in various community events.
- Inspiration: Keown’s success in multiple sports inspired many young athletes in Evansville to pursue their dreams.
- Philanthropy: Though not explicitly mentioned in the search results, Keown’s involvement in community organizations suggests a commitment to giving back.
What were Keown’s other pursuits?
While Keown was primarily known for his athletic prowess, he had several other interests and pursuits:
- Professional poker: Keown found success as a professional poker player, traveling the world for tournaments.
- Golf: After his baseball career, Keown took up golf professionally, playing on minor league tours before regaining amateur status in 2020.
- Real estate: When his son Colby was born, Keown transitioned from professional poker to a career in real estate.
These diverse interests showcase Keown’s adaptability and drive to succeed in various fields.
Who survives Clint Keown?
Clint Keown leaves behind a loving family:
- Wife: Hannah (married for 3 years)
- Son: Colby (4 years old)
- Stepchildren: Liam and Leighton Nolen
Keown was known as a devoted husband and father, often referred to as a “Bonus Dad” to his stepchildren. Family was everything to him, and he made sure to stay in constant communication with his loved ones.
What are the funeral arrangements?
The community will have the opportunity to pay their respects to Clint Keown during the following visitation and service times:
- Visitations:
- September 25, 2024: 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church
- September 26, 2024: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church
- Mass of the Resurrection: September 26, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., celebrated by Fr. Bernie Etienne
- Private burial: September 27, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery on the West Side
For those wishing to honor Keown’s memory, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Rosary Catholic Church or the Memorial High School Athletic Department.
Conclusion
The loss of Clint Keown in this tragic car accident has left a void in the Evansville community. His remarkable athletic career, spanning multiple sports, and his impact as a mentor, friend, and family man will be remembered for years to come. As the community mourns his passing, they also rally behind Matthew Redd in his recovery, showcasing the strength and unity that Keown himself embodied throughout his life.
Keown’s legacy serves as a reminder of the power of dedication, versatility, and community involvement. His ability to excel in various fields and his commitment to giving back to his hometown have left an indelible mark on Evansville. As friends, family, and fans reflect on his life, it’s clear that Clint Keown was more than just an exceptional athlete – he was a true legend whose impact extended far beyond the playing field.
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