Terrance Howard, a gifted young football player from Texas, passed away just a few days after transferring to North Carolina Central University (NCCU). He was only 19 years old.
The former University of Alabama athlete was on his way to join his new team when he suffered a fatal accident near Salisbury, North Carolina on July 29.
The Houston native was headed to North Carolina to embark on a new phase in his promising football career. Howard had secured a full scholarship to play for NCCU, a testament to his talent and dedication on the field. Tragically, while on the North Carolina leg of his journey, Howard’s life was abruptly ended.
Howard was driving on Interstate 85 on Monday when he was part of a minor collision. His family stated that he got out of his car to check on the people in the other vehicle involved in the accident. It was during this moment that Howard was hit by another car. He was then taken to a Charlotte hospital where he was on life support for a few days before succumbing to brain trauma on Thursday night, August 1, 2024, as reported by his girlfriend’s mother.
The loss of Howard has deeply affected both the NCCU and Alabama football communities. His mother expressed gratitude for the support their family has received from both institutions. She stated, “The NCCU community has shown us tremendous support. Coach Nick Saban from Alabama also reached out to offer his condolences. It means a lot to us.”
Howard’s former high school, Ridge Point in Missouri City, Texas, also conveyed their grief at his passing. His coaches and teammates remembered him as a diligent and skilled athlete. Doug Tigtig, whose daughter was Howard’s high school sweetheart, spoke warmly of him, saying, “He wins people over right off the bat. Respectful, super funny, just life of the party, laughing all the time kind of guy.”
Brooke Tigtig, the mother of Howard’s girlfriend, shed light on the aftermath of the accident. “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,” she said, illustrating the initial difficulties his family had in receiving information about his condition.
The family has received an outpouring of support from friends, fans, and even from people they do not know. A GoFundMe campaign was set up to help cover the medical expenses and the costs associated with bringing Howard back to Houston. The campaign quickly exceeded its goal, reflecting the community’s wish to support the family during this challenging time.
As the community continues to grieve, plans are underway to honor Howard’s memory both at NCCU and in his hometown. A memorial service is anticipated to take place in Houston, where loved ones will convene to celebrate his life and legacy. Howard’s story, while tragic, also serves as a testament to his character and the impact he left on those who knew him.
