Brother of Michigan State star Cassius Winston dies in train crash
ALBION, Mich. — The family of Michigan State basketball player Cassius Winston has learned Cassius' brother, Zachary, died after being struck by a train in Albion.
Scott Kipp, Albion's Chief of Public Safety, confirmed Sunday that Zachary Winston died after being hit by a westbound train in Albion. Zachary Winston, of Detroit, played basketball at Albion College.
Authorities said he intentionally ran in front of the train.
The Albion Department of Public Safety said a 19-year-old male Albion College student died Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, after being hit by an Amtrak train near the school.
A spokesperson from Amtrak said Wolverine Train 355 came into contact with a person on Erie Street in Albion around 8:25 p.m. Saturday night. The train route was stopped for several hours.
In a written statement, Albion College President Mauri Ditzler said:
"As a community, our hearts are broken today as we share the news of the passing of one of our students, Zachary Winston. Zach was a finance major, a student in the Gerstacker Institute for Business and Management, and member of the Albion College men’s basketball team. Beyond that, he was an extremely charismatic young man with an infectious smile. Zach was a recognized leader who was well known across every facet of our campus, He was a fantastic student with a world of potential before him. He was deeply loved and will be deeply missed."
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo, whose team will play its home opener Sunday night, also released a statement on behalf of the MSU Basketball program.
"Our hearts are filled with sorrow for the Winston family," Izzo said. "Their pain over the sudden loss of Zachary is unimaginable. It’s impossible to find the right words in this moment, other than to say that we will support the family in whatever way they need.”
