Evansville sports icon Clint Keown tragically died in a single-vehicle car accident in Crawford County, Illinois, on Sunday. The 44-year-old former Memorial High School and University of Evansville star athlete was driving a Tesla southbound on Illinois 1 when the vehicle struck a guardrail and landed in a ditch.
Details of the Clint Keown Car Accident Emerge
The Crawford County Sheriff’s Department is currently investigating the Clint Keown Car Accident. While the cause remains undetermined, Sheriff Bill Rutan confirmed it was a one-car incident occurring on a straight stretch of Illinois 1 near County Road 900 North, approximately a mile south of a flashing red light. A passenger, Matthew Redd, sustained serious injuries and was transported to an Evansville hospital. Authorities are examining whether the Tesla’s self-driving mode was engaged at the time of the crash. Weather conditions prevented a helicopter evacuation for Redd, who was initially alert but later lost consciousness.
Clint Keown: A Multi-Sport Phenom Remembered
Clint Keown’s legacy extends far beyond the tragic car accident. He was a standout athlete at Memorial High School in the 1990s, excelling in basketball, baseball, and football. He remains a top-five scorer in Evansville basketball history with 1,766 points. His athletic prowess continued at the University of Evansville, where he played a key role on the 1999 NCAA tournament basketball team before transferring to South Carolina-Aiken.
From College Standout to Professional Athlete
Keown’s collegiate success transitioned into a professional career. At South Carolina-Aiken, he achieved national recognition in basketball, finishing second in scoring in 2002. He also set a conference record with 52 stolen bases in baseball in 2003. He briefly played professional baseball for the Cincinnati Reds’ Class A affiliate before retiring.
Life After Sports: Golf, Poker, and Family
Following his baseball career, Keown found success in golf and professional poker. He competed on minor league golf tours before regaining his amateur status in 2020, notably finishing second in the Evansville Men’s City Tournament. He was inducted into Memorial High School’s Hall of Fame in 2018. Keown is survived by his wife Hannah, their son, and two stepchildren.
Remembering Clint Keown’s Impact
The Clint Keown car accident marks a devastating loss for the Evansville community and the sports world. Keown’s remarkable athletic achievements, coupled with his later success in golf and poker, solidified his status as a true local legend. He will be remembered for his talent, dedication, and the indelible mark he left on Evansville sports. The investigation into the accident continues, as authorities seek to determine the circumstances leading to this tragic event.
