The California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to a two-vehicle crash in Highland after a 20-year-old man involved in the collision was fatally injured when an out-of-control pickup truck smashed into a power pole.
After completing a drugs and alcohol test, the driver told the CHP he was driving on Chiriaco Ridge Road in Moreno Valley, California, when his vehicle was struck by an SUV. CHP later revealed the cause of the crash was a dog bite, according to a statement released Friday.
The crash involving 32-year-old Central Citrus College football player Otis Anderson Jr. occurred Thursday night. Anderson Jr. died of his injuries on Friday.
Anderson Jr. was a player at UCF since his freshman year, and was a former high school teammate of former Pittsburgh Steelers player
“My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and loved ones of Otis Anderson Jr.,” UCF head coach Josh Heupel said. “Otis was a tremendous young man that impacted so many people’s lives and a part of our UCF family. We’re grieving the loss of our beloved Otis.”
As word of Anderson Jr.’s death spread, a number of former teammates from UCF and the UCF Shula’s Shorts Girls were left with a profound sense of loss.
“Disgusted right now with these unjustations. Is this the world you want for a CHILD?” former UCF wide receiver Tracy Howard posted on social media Friday.
Disgusted right now with these unjustifications. Is this the world you want for a CHILD? — Tracy Howard (@TracyHoward23) December 14, 2018
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of Otis Anderson. Thank you to all the UCF family for your love and support! This game will remain without you Otis! RIP Friend,” former UCF running back Devin Robinson wrote on Twitter.
Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of Otis Anderson. Thank you to all the UCF family for your love and support! This game will remain without you Otis! RIP Friend — Devin Robinson (@_drm) December 14, 2018
“Damn @Anderson_Otis_ We have to lose you too bro A SUCH A GOOD RUNNING BACK UR ONE OF A KIND!” former UCF quarterback Malik Henry said.
Damn @Anderson_Otis_ We have to lose you too bro A SUCH A GOOD RUNNING BACK UR ONE OF A KIND! — Malik Henry (@MalikHenry10) December 14, 2018
FOX Sports Southwest’s Kristine Leahy contributed to this report.