HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — One of the passengers in the deadly Learjet crash on Sunday afternoon has been identified as a former Rice University basketball player, according to university officials.
ABC News reported that Adam Robinson, Helen Sharp, and their children, Emma and Charlie, were on board the aircraft that crashed into a Florida roadway, according to Robinson’s brother, Anthony, in a social media post.
“Adam and Helen were devoted parents, and Emma, 4, and Charlie, 2, were the light of their lives,” the post read in part. “Helen and Adam were the love affair that will last forever. Their warmth, generosity and gift for making people feel welcome touched so many lives. Their loss will be felt deeply by all those who loved them and who they loved in return.”
According to Rice University officials, Robinson graduated from the university in 2003. They went on to share that he earned two varsity letters as a member of the men’s basketball team in 2000 and 2001.
Former Rice head men’s basketball coach Willis Wilson shared this statement following the news of the deadly crash:
“This is an incredibly sad time for Adam’s family, friends, and former teammates. He was such an uplifting guy who was loved by his teammates and coaches. We are all in shock and deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our prayers go out for Adam, his family, and each of those who passed away in this event yesterday, as well as their surviving family members and loved ones in this most difficult time.”
According to an ABC News report, all nine people aboard the Bahamas-bound aircraft, including two crew members and seven passengers, were killed in the Palm Beach County crash, authorities said.
The Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office said it is too early for victims’ identities to be officially released, according to ABC News, adding that the medical examiner’s office is engaged in the “lengthy process” of DNA collection and assessment.
This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.