Clemson team, coaches rush to help accident victim

Members of the Clemson football staff rushed to the aid of a student involved in a car accident following practice, the school announced.

Coach Dabo Swinney was addressing his team at the conclusion of Tuesday’s practice when a collision occurred on the intersection of Press and Perimeter Road, which is near the team’s football facilities. A car skidded approximately 100 feet down an embankment along the side of the road before coming to rest near the Seneca River.

Both players and members of the staff rushed to help, with sports medicine assistant Scott Crowthers, student athletic trainer Bailey Black, student managers Jack Wardlaw and Jack Sari, student coach Daniel Boyd and student videographer Eric Suttles jumping into the river.

They provided assistance until emergency services arrived, with Swinney visiting freshman Clary Miles at the hospital on Tuesday night.

“When we got to the edge of the water, I think our entire team was ready to jump in and help,” Swinney said, per ESPN. “I held them off to let those who were experienced in this area to go across.”

Swinney said he has known Miles since the latter was 8 years old, so the accident “became personal very quickly.”

Clary’s mother, Paula, released a statement through the school.

“I want to tell everyone how grateful we are to everyone associated with the Clemson football program that helped my son,” she said. “I’m especially grateful to the trainers and managers and others who swam to help Clary and get him out of the car.”