Central Michigan walk-on killed in car wreck

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. (AP) -- Brent Edwards, a junior on Central Michigan's basketball team, died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident, the university announced Wednesday.

Edwards died Tuesday after the Monday crash near St. Louis, about 30 miles west of Saginaw. The team was informed of Edwards' death while they were participating in the three-day Maui Invitational in Lahaina, Hawaii, which began Monday.

The 21-year-old Flushing native was a walk-on to the team and one of a few that did not travel to the tournament.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Brent's family," head coach Jay Smith said in a statement. "We wish we could be there with them right now."

The team planned to leave Hawaii on Thursday, returning to Michigan on Friday so members could attend Edwards's funeral Saturday in Flushing.

Buddha, as his teammates and friends knew him, played in three games in the 2002-03 season. He had two points, two rebounds and a steal in those appearances.

"Brent had a great passion for CMU basketball," Smith said. "He had great character and was rich with passion. He had a love for the game and his teammates."

His teammates remembered Edwards as positive influence.

"Brent was one of the nicest people I've known," senior guard T.J. Meerman said.

Edwards was working on a major in outdoor recreation major and a minor in earth science. He was a graduate of Flushing High School, where he earned letters in football, basketball and baseball.

Edwards' survivors include his parents, Greg and Kathy Edwards.