Alabama HC Kalen DeBoer mourns the loss of walk on Terrance Howard following unfortunate death
Tragedy struck the Alabama football community as head coach Kalen DeBoer confirmed the death of former walk-on defensive back Terrance Howard. Howard, who didn't see playing time as a freshman at Alabama in 2023, had transferred to North Carolina Central on a scholarship in May. In his statement, DeBoer said:
"Before I make comments on the team, I do want to send along our thoughts and prayers to Terrance Howard who was with us and transferred on to North Carolina Central."
"He did pass away, and he's got some guys here on this team that were close to him and also are thinking about him. Just want to send prayers and thoughts up to his family."
The unfortunate incident occurred in late July when Howard, transporting his possessions from Tuscaloosa to Durham, North Carolina, was struck by a vehicle after stepping out of his car following an accident on Interstate 85.
The young athlete sustained severe brain injuries and was placed on life support. Despite his family's prayers and efforts to raise funds for his treatment, Howard died on August 1.
Former Alabama CB pays tribute to Terrance Howard
Former Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold paid a heartfelt tribute to Terrance Howard, affectionately known as "T," on Instagram following Howard's tragic passing. Arnold wrote:
"You fought hard, soldier. Can't believe they would do you like that, bro. RIP."
Howard's high school coach from Ridge Point also reminisced about the former Alabama DB's competitive spirit, recalling (per ABC13):
"I remember practice because he played corner and in the competitive drills if he'd get beat he'd be like go again, let's go again."
The tragedy was compounded by a difficult time for Howard's family. Brooke Tigtig, the mother of Howard's girlfriend, explained to KHOU:
"When he was picked up, he didn't have ID on him so he was considered a John Doe. He was taken to one hospital and transferred to another. So I think it took some time for them to be able to contact his parents."
In 2021, Howard helped Rich Point achieve an impressive 11-2 record and clinch the district title with a perfect 7-0 record. His stats read 41 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 interception, and 8 pass breakups.