Former college football star and his children, 9 and 12, killed in tragic Thanksgiving car accident

A former college football player and his two children tragically lost their lives in a horror car crash.

Zach Muckleroy, ex-TCU player and CEO of Muckleroy and Falls Construction Company, and his 12-year-old son Judson and nine-year-old daughter Lindsey sadly died on Wednesday (November 22) in a three-car crash while traveling to visit family in Central Texas for Thanksgiving.

According to Fox 4, the horrific accident occurred on Highway 281, roughly 50 miles west of Austin, Texas.

Muckleroy’s wife, Lauren, survived and was airlifted to an Austin hospital in critical condition. A fourth victim was killed in the crash, but their name has yet to be released.

Muckleroy and Falls Construction confirmed the tragedy on Facebook, writing in an emotional statement that the company was “heartbroken” by the loss.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic passing of our beloved CEO, Zach Muckleroy, and his two children, Judson and Lindsay,” they wrote.

“Zach had a charisma about him and the uncanny ability to light up any room he walked into. He had a charitable heart that made lasting impacts on the Fort Worth Community. He treasured his family and was a proud alumni of TCU.

“He was passionate about the construction industry and led the Muckleroy & Falls team with a calming demeanor,” they continued. “He will be greatly missed.”

“We ask that you keep his wife, Lauren, parents, Harold & Pat, siblings, Alyson & Steve Gasper, and David & Madison Muckleroy in your prayers,” the company concluded.

Hundreds of people attended a vigil held for the family at the University Christian Church in Fort Worth on Friday night (November 24), where children wrote heartfelt messages to Judson and Lindsay, per CBS News.

Rev. Dr. Russ Peterman, the senior minister at University Christian Church, told Fox 4 that multiple generations of Muckleroys grew up attending the Fort Worth church. “Zach was not only a member of the congregation but a friend as well. I love that family. Those kids are amazing. Lauren is a fighter,” Peterman said.

He also added that he received updates on Lauren’s condition since the accident, saying she has undergone several surgeries since the crash and has awakened. “She’s aware that she lost her family. You can only imagine how hard that must be,” he shared.

“We’re doing everything we can to surround them with our love and with our prayers and the important part will be not just now, but in the days and weeks and months to come once the platitudes and the casseroles are behind them how do we continue to love them and support them,” Peterman added.

With a heavy heart i just wanted to follow up with any of you that hadn’t heard that last night we lost a great Horn Frog, husband, dad and friend Zach Muckleroy and their two children Lindsay and Judson in a head on collision. Lauren, Zach’s wife is in critical condition! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

— Gary Patterson (@FBCoachP) November 24, 2023

Muckleroy graduated from TCU and played for the Horned Frogs football team in 1998. He had taken over as CEO of the family business three years ago.

Tributes are pouring in from across the Fort Worth and TCU community, with former TCU Coach Gary Patterson sharing his condolences on social media, writing that the father was a great Horned Frog, husband, dad, and friend.

“With a heavy heart I just wanted to follow up with any of you that hadn’t heard that last night we lost a great Horn Frog, husband, dad, and friend Zach Muckleroy, and their two children Lindsay and Judson in a head-on collision,” Patterson wrote on X.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devasting tragedy.