A University of Tampa student died on Saturday in a car accident that left five other UT students injured. The passengers involved in the crash were on their way to New Orleans, La., for Mardi Gras.
UT freshman Tessa Byers, 19, died on Saturday at 10:15 p.m. from injuries sustained in the crash, according to Channel 10News.
The Florida Highway Patrol reported that the accident took place along Interstate 75, south of State Road 50. According to the report by FHP, freshman Russell Colleran was driving a 2009 five-passenger Dodge Caliber. It overturned several times after veering off the road onto a grass shoulder. It is still unknown why Colleran drove off the roadway.
Byers, from Carmel, Ind., was known for her recent role as cinematographer in the film Queer, which was a campus finalist in the AT&T Wild Card category.
FHP investigators say that Byers, in one of the vehicle’s passenger seats, was not wearing her seat belt during the time of the accident.
According to 10News, Colleran, a performing arts major and driver of the vehicle, suffered numerous injuries, including a broken sternum, injuries to the head and a collapsed lung.
On Colleran’s Facebook wall, his parents shared the following statement, “Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers for Russell…He is doing well and under observation right now…we will keep you posted.”
The four other students involved were Christopher Perry, 22, Jonathan Mojica, 22, Amanda Mancuso, 22, and Gregory Munnings, 21. According to the article by 10News, these passengers of the vehicle had minor injuries.
Friends of Byers are welcome to share their comments on her Facebook wall. The Minaret will keep you updated on further investigation details and any plans for a campus vigil or memorial.
Alex Vera can be reached at avera813@gmail.com.
I just heard about this tragic accident from my husband, Kenny Frank, who has worked with Tessa’s Father. Tessa’s family and friends are in our prayers. May God surround His loving arms around each of you every day.
Starlyn Frank
Ft. Worth, TX
There is not a day where I don’t think about you Tessa Byers.
Rest in Peace <3
Tessa was only 18. Every article says she was 19… but her birthday is April 6, 1992. She’s the most amazing person I have ever known. Please pray for her family and friends. To us, this is still so recent.
I just met Tessa a week or two ago… This is incredibly sad… My best wishes go out to her friends and family.
Hello Nick,
We are not certain of the date for the memorial service yet. If you send your contact information to mfrisque@ut.edu, I will be happy to share details on the memorial service with you.
What a sad story. My heart goes out to Tessa’s family. However, the guy driving the car should be held responsible since he allowed someone to ride in his car without having their seat belt on. I hope this tragic story is a wake up call for people who don’t wear seat belts.
I would love to know details about the UT service as soon as they come out please. I went to school with Tessa in Indiana for 10 years and was best friends with her older sister. I am currently a student at Eckerd College in St. Pete and I can’t make it home for the service there, so I would really appreciate joining your school in remembering her.