The Florida Southern College swim team is in grief today after learning of the death of freshman William Mintner after he was struck by a car Sunday evening.
The details of Mintner’s death, according to an article in the Lakeland, Fla., newspaper The Ledger claim that Mintner was lying in the middle of the road on U.S. Highway 98 Sunday at 2 a.m. when two cars approached his reportedly unconscious body. The first car swerved to avoid hitting Mintner and succeeded, while the driver of the second car was unable to move in time. The second car hit Mintner, and paramedics rushed Mintner to the hospital. He was pronounced dead at 2:25 a.m. Eastern time.
Police are still attempting to understand what caused Mintner to be lying in the middle of the road at the time of the incident, but the article in The Ledger says a 911 call was made minutes before the accident claiming that Mintner appeared intoxicated.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to Wil’s family, his teammates and the entire Moccasin athletic department during this difficult and tragic time,” Florida Southern President Dr. Anne B. Kerr said in a statement posted on the men’s swim team website. An outpouring of support on other social media sites have called Mintner a kind and supportive teammate and loyal friend.
Mintner came to Florida Southern College from Ocklawaha, about 80 miles north of the university. According to Mintner’s biography on the team’s website, he was a regional qualifier in the 100 and 200 freestyles in high school.
Mintner competed in the first two dual meets for Florida Southern against Tampa and Florida Tech, finishing sixth in the 200 butterfly in both meets.
Very tragic
So sorry to hear this. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Praying
Praying
Very sad 🙁
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, coach’s and the entire swim team.
Heartbreaking.
Prayers for his family. ?
praying…
?
Sending much love to the family ❤️