Cincinnati RB Chamoda Kennedy-Palmore Dies in Motorcycle Accident at Age 19

Chamoda Kennedy-Palmore, a redshirt freshman running back at the University of Cincinnati, was killed Thursday afternoon after a vehicle crashed into his motorcycle. He was 19.

"It's a tragedy," Cincinnati associate athletic director Ryan Koslen said, per Keith BieryGolick of The Cincinnati Enquirer. 

According to police, Kennedy-Palmore was driving on Cincinnati's Vine Street when another vehicle swerved across two traffic lanes and struck his motorcycle. He was then taken to UC Medical Center by paramedics but was declared dead as the result of his injuries. Koslen said Kennedy-Palmore was wearing proper safety gear at the time of the crash. 

Kennedy-Palmore, who is originally from Liberty Township in Ohio, was in his second year as a walk-on with the program. In a statement confirming his passing, Cincinnati indicated that he was part of a "school-start tryout group" of players who joined the team for 2014 earlier this month.

"Our football program and university has suffered another great tragedy," Cincinnati coach Tommy Tuberville said. "I'm a father first and a coach second and it's always hard to put your thoughts into words during times like these. Chamoda was a talented non-scholarship player and a key member of our scout teams. He worked hard and earned his spot on the roster. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."

The previous tragedy to which Tuberville alludes is the death of former offensive lineman Ben Flick, who died in an automobile accident on Sept. 21, 2013. Teammates Mark Barr and Javon Harrison were also injured in the crash.

Kennedy-Palmore graduated from Lakota East High School in 2013, where he was the team's top running back. BieryGolick's report indicated that he originally committed to Georgetown College before deciding to walk on locally at Cincinnati. Lakota East head coach Rick Haynes indicated he was well-liked by teammates and coaches.

"Chamoda definitely led by example by how hard he worked. His teammates definitely thought highly of him," Haynes said.

The identity of the driver who hit Kennedy-Palmore's motorcycle has not been released at this time. According to Fox 19, the driver was taken to a local hospital, but there is no word on his or her condition.

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