RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky University redshirt freshman defensive lineman Joseph “Joey” A. Kraemer was killed in an automobile accident over the weekend, the university announced today.
Kraemer was pronounced dead Sunday by the Madison County Coroner following a single vehicle accident on Tates Creek Road in Madison County.
“The news that we lost one of our own is devastating to me, our team and our coaches,” Head Coach Dean Hood said. “We pray that God will give strength to Joey’s family during their time of mourning. Joey will truly be missed by all of us he touched, not only because of what he accomplished on the football field, but because of who he was as a person and the impact he made on our lives.”
Kraemer, 19, joined the Eastern Kentucky football program in August and was majoring in sports management. He transferred to EKU from the University of Texas El Paso where he redshirted as a freshman last season. Kraemer was eligible to play immediately at Eastern, but had not appeared in any of the first three games.
“We are all saddened by the loss of Joey Kraemer,” EKU Director of Athletics Steve Lochmueller said. “While his time at EKU was short, I’m sure the impact he made on his fellow students, teammates, coaches and professors will live on. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
The Kettering, Ohio native played high school football at Archbishop Alter High School. He was named to the 2013 Associated Press Southwest All-District IV second team and All-Area Division IV-V second team. He had four solo tackles, two tackles for loss and three sacks during a postseason 35-21 win over Wyoming in the 2013 Ohio playoffs.
“Our Colonel family is hurting today,” President Michael Benson said. “Together, we will share our EKU pride in Joey’s memory and honor. Please join me in expressing our sympathies to the Kraemer family in this time of sorrow.”
Counseling services are available for students who may need assistance. Additionally, the Meditation Chapel is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. for students, faculty or staff needing an area for quiet reflection. Funeral arrangements are still pending.
The Colonels (2-1) must return to action on Saturday at Kentucky (3-1).
Official Eastern Kentucky University Statement:
“The EKU community is saddened by the news of the passing of Joey Kraemer. We offer our deepest sympathy to his family, friends and teammates. Counseling services are available for any students, faculty or staff during this difficult time. The Colonel family mourns the loss of a promising student athlete, taken from us far too soon.”
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