The Iowa Hawkeyes may dedicate today's Alamo Bowl game to the mother of reserve linebacker Mark Mitchell, who was killed in a one-car crash on an icy road while traveling to the game with her family.
Coach Hayden Fry said the team would meet Saturday to discuss the situation."They may want to keep it low key, or they may want to do something. Whatever the team wants to do, that's fine with me," Fry said during a news conference.
The Mitchell family was driving on U.S. 34 east of Chariton in south central Iowa Friday night when their van went out of control after trying to pass another vehicle, the Iowa Highway Patrol said.
Lucas County deputy sheriff Paul Cochran said the van rolled onto its top, pinning Diane Mitchell underneath. The driver, Bob Mitchell, was reported in serious condition at a Des Moines hospital.
Four others were in the van, including Mark's two brothers, David and Brian, David's wife Shari, and Eric Martinez. None received life-threatening injuries. Brian Mitchell and Martinez are Iowa baseball players.
Mitchell will miss the game, Fry said.
His replacement will be freshman Raj Clark, who's been injured most of the year.
Fry was asked how the mishap would affect the team.
"I think it will be positive. I think this ball club may possibly want to dedicate the game for Mark Mitchell's family. They're that sensitive and loving," Fry said.