Delta State University, the DSU Department of Athletics, and the Swimming and Diving teams are mourning the loss of Molly Bates, who was tragically killed in a one-car accident on Highway 61 just north of Cleveland on Saturday night. Three additional students, Merve Terzigolu ( Istanbul, Turkey), Regan Niemann ( Oveido, Fla.), and Caitlin Dudley ( Huntsville, Ala.) were injured in the accident and are currently recovering in area hospitals.

“Life is such a fragile thing. One minute the world is in front of you and the next it’s taken away. Molly (Bates) was a wonderful person, full of personality. She was someone you naturally gravitated to and someone that wanted the absolute best for her friends and teammates,” said Brian Hein, head coach of the Delta State Swimming and Diving team. “Our prayers are with all the families touched by this tragedy.”

According to authorities, the vehicle containing the Delta State students was traveling south on Highway 61 when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle crossed into the median flipping several times. First responders from the Bolivar County Volunteer Fire Department and Bolivar County Sheriff’s Department were on the scene in minutes.

Bates and Dudley were transported to Bolivar Medical Center in Cleveland, while Terzigolu and Niemann were sent to Northwest Regional Medical Center in Clarksdale. Bates was pronounced dead upon arrival at BMC.

The three surviving students were sent to area trauma centers after being stabilized at local hospitals. Dudley was transported to University Medical Center in Jackson, while Terzigolu and Niemann were sent to the Elvis Presley Trauma Center in Memphis, Tenn. All three are currently receiving treatment for the injuries sustained in the accident.

Terzigolu, a freshman from Istanbul, Turkey, and Dudley, a freshman from Huntsville, Ala., are also members of the Lady Statesmen Swimming and Diving team. Niemann, a native of Oviedo, Fla., is a former member of the Swimming and Diving team, and is currently enrolled at DSU.

Delta State counselors and several area pastors are on hand to offer support for the team, coaches, and student body during this difficult time. They will remain on call around the clock as long as their services are needed.

Delta State and DSU Athletics are planning a memorial service for Bates. Specifics on the service are not available at this time. As plans are finalized, additional information will be released.