Nebraska Wesleyan University senior Maury Lorence died Sunday, October 12 in an early morning accident along Interstate 80 just outside of Lincoln.

Lorence was an elementary education major from Doniphan, Neb., and a tight end for the Prairie Wolves football team. Grief counselors were on hand immediately for teammates, coaches, classmates, faculty and staff.

On Monday, October 13, Head Football Coach Brian Keller issued the following statement:

“I want to take this opportunity to extend my heartfelt appreciation to everyone who has reached out to the Prairie Wolves football team as we continue to deal with the loss of teammate Maury Lorence. As you can imagine, this is an extremely difficult time for our team and all of the Nebraska Wesleyan community. The team has visited with grief counselors and has been extremely supportive of one another, sharing stories and memories of Maury. Maury was a Prairie Wolf in the truest sense of the word, a dedicated and fierce competitor who always had his teammates’ back with a kind and encouraging word for all. I will always remember Maury’s smile with that little bit of an ornery twinkle in his eye. Maury will be deeply missed by all whom he has touched throughout our football program. Our hearts are breaking for Maury’s family and we ask for your continued thoughts and prayers for them.”

Monday's junior varsity football game against Concordia University has been postponed. The men’s soccer team will honor the Lorence family Monday evening by collecting donations and gate fees for the family. That game against Coe College begins at 5 p.m. at Abel Stadium. Saturday’s football game at Dordt College is still on as scheduled.

Nebraska Wesleyan University President Fred Ohles released the following statement on Sunday, October 12 upon learning of Lorence's death:

"We are saddened by the loss of our student Maury Lorence. Our continued thoughts and prayers are with his family, his brother who is a student here at NWU, his friends and the entire Nebraska Wesleyan University community," said Ohles. "Counselors are meeting today with Maury’s teammates and classmates, and we’ll continue to provide that service to our campus community as we deal with this difficult loss.”

Services were held Thursday, October 16 at the Trumbull Community Center. The university is also planning a campus memorial service to be held at a later date.