A rising college football star was killed in a car crash in his Indiana hometown, cutting short a promising athletic career just as it was beginning.
Mason Alexander, an 18-year-old freshman cornerback at the University of Pittsburgh, died Saturday night, March 1, 2025, when the car he was riding in crashed into a tree and burst into flames in Fishers, Indiana. Alexander was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office.
The accident occurred when a 2016 BMW in which Alexander was a passenger attempted to pass another vehicle before a hillcrest. When the driver realized a vehicle was approaching from the opposite direction, they swerved to avoid a head-on collision. The BMW veered off the road, slid through grass, struck a tree, and caught fire.
Alexander had graduated early from Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers and enrolled at Pitt in January 2025. He was scheduled to join the Panthers for spring practice this month after signing with the school in December.
Pitt coach Pat Narduzzi expressed his heartbreak in a statement, saying that he received a call no parent, teacher, or coach ever wants to get—the devastating news of the sudden loss of a young and promising life. He shared that the entire program is shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Mason Alexander.
Narduzzi said that “Mason was proud and excited to be a Panther,” and the team was proud to have him.
Alexander was one of the top football prospects in Indiana. According to his profile on the Pittsburgh Panthers website, he compiled 52 tackles and one interception as a senior in high school. He also averaged 26.1 yards on 18 kickoff returns, including a 93-yard touchdown.
Multiple recruiting services ranked Alexander among the top players in Indiana. ESPN rated him as the state’s No. 4 overall prospect, while Rivals had him at No. 6. He was considered one of the nation’s top 35 cornerback prospects.
Football had special significance for Alexander, whose father passed away when he was eight years old. This event had a profound impact on him, but football reignited his passion. His talent quickly drew attention, and he received offers from several top college programs before choosing Pittsburgh.
Former high school teammate Peyton Daniels paid tribute to Alexander on social media platform X: “Mason lit up every room he was in. Brought joy and playfulness to everything and everyone. He could change the entire direction of your day with one interaction. Mason is the embodiment of exceptional. Rest Easy 15. Love forever.”
Michael Kelly, Alexander’s high school coach, spoke about the young athlete’s character and potential, describing him as a “special young man who is going to be dearly missed.” Alexander had been the highest-rated recruit in Pitt’s incoming freshman class. Pittsburgh was the first school to offer him an FBS scholarship.
The Hamilton Southeastern High School community planned to host a balloon release to honor Alexander at the school’s football stadium.
According to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the accident remains under investigation. Alexander was just three days past his first interview as a college athlete when the crash occurred.
In his short time with the Pittsburgh program, Alexander had already made an impression on coaches and teammates. The university and football community continue to mourn his loss, with condolences pouring in from fans and fellow athletes across social media.
