LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Philander Smith University is mourning the loss of a first-year student, Taariq Conner, who was killed in a car crash Thursday night that also injured three other students.

University officials said the 18-year-old Conner was a freshman on the Panthers baseball team. Conner was from Pine Bluff and had been recruited by coach Kelvin Battles.

"As a freshman, Taariq quickly became known for his dedication and positive spirit, as well as his standout skills on the baseball diamond," the university stated. "He had a close circle of friends and, in his short time on campus, had already made an impact as a scholar with infinite promise and potential."

The school is asking for prayers for all the students involved, including Conner's family, the injured students and their fa

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