Agency Reporter
Tobi Oyedeji, a Ni.ger.ian power forward slated to begin his collegiate career at Texas A&M next season, died in the US on Sunday due to injuries sustained in a car accident. Early reports suggest Oyedeji was driving a car involved in a two-vehicle accident in which one other person was killed.
Oyedeji played high school ball in Bellaire, Texas, and made the All-Greater Houston team last season as a senior. He was considered a top-100 recruit in his class. Rivals ranked him as the No. 18 power forward in the class of 2010.
"The world has lost a great kid today (Sunday)," said Texas A&M coach Mark Turgeon in a statement on Oyedeji's tragic death.
"Tobi epitomised the term student-athlete. He was a very good student. He worked hard in the classrooms and on the basketball court and he was a terrific basketball player. This is difficult to understand and today is a very sad day. My heart aches for his mom and dad. Tobi was an only child and I would like everyone to pray for Tobi's parents."
Another account of his death says Oyedeji dropped his last friend off after prom night, called his father Kunle Oyedeji and told him he was on his way home early Sunday morning. The 6-foot-9, 220-pound, 18-year-old power forward, who was destined to be an impact player for Texas A&M in the fall and committed to studying engineering, never made it to his house.
He was in a head-on collision shortly after the phone call home and died after attempts at life-saving surgery weren't successful Sunday afternoon..
Hal Pastner, who runs Houston Hoops, an AAU program Oyedeji played for, was crushed as well when he was told the news on Sunday afternoon. Turgeon said Oyedeji was the first player he recruited when he took the job three years ago. "This has been a three-year relationship, we were really close," Turgeon said.
"From the first day he came to our camp, I knew he was coming to Texas A&M. He was going to be an engineer. This was the perfect place for him."
Turgeon last saw Oyedeji at a workout in April and said he told his assistant coaches that Oyedeji was going to help the Aggies quite a bit next season. Oyedeji had been on campus apparently five to seven times a season in the past three years.
"He was going to be a big part of our program," Turgeon said. "More than just basketball, his personality, his character, he would have helped us in so many ways."
Funeral Arrangements
HOUSTON, TX -- Funeral arrangements for Tobi Oyedeji, the All-State Bellaire High School senior basketball player who was a Texas A&M basketball signee, have been announced by the family.
A viewing will be held Friday, May 21, from 5 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home and Cemetery located at 12800 Westheimer in Houston (zip code 70777 and phone 281-497-2330).
A Celebration Service will be held at Dominion Chapel located at 1203 Cravens Road in Stafford, Texas (77477) at 7 p.m. on Friday. (Phone 281-208-3510)
The graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, May 22, at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home and Cemetery.
In consultation with the NCAA national office, Texas A&M secured permission to provide Tobi’s parents with assistance, and Coach Mark Turgeon and the basketball staff are coordinating the assistance. In lieu of flowers, fans and former students who wish to show their support are asked to donate to the Tobi Oyedeji Scholarship Endowment through the 12th Man Foundation. Those who prefer, may also send sympathy cards to the Oyedeji family through the men’s basketball office at PO Box 30017, College Station, TX 77842-3017.
“We lost a member of our Aggie basketball family this past week,” Texas A&M Head Basketball Coach Mark Turgeon said. “Even though Tobi is gone, he will not be forgotten. He was a very special young man, he was an Aggie. He had a profound influence on so many people.”
“I would continue to ask for prayers for Tobi’s parents,” Turgeon added. “We will make sure Tobi’s family is not burdened by funeral and medical expenses.”
“I did not know why Tobi chose Texas A&M,” Michael Oyedeji, Tobi’s father, said. “He told me he felt like he was part of a family, and that he already felt loved by the team.”
Tobi Oyedeji died from injuries suffered in a car accident on Sunday, May 16.
FRIDAY:
5-6:30pm Wake/Viewing at the funeral home
Forrest Park Westheimer Funeral Home & Cemetery
12800 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77077 (281-497-2330)
7pm Celebration Service at the Church
Dominion Church
1203 Cravens Road
Stafford, TX 77477 (281-208-3510)
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SATURDAY:
1pm gravesite burial
Forrest Park Westheimer Funeral Home & Cemetery
In lieu of flowers:
Checks or money orders can be sent to
Tobi Oyedeji Endowed Scholarship
12th Man Foundation
Attn: Tobi O Scholarship Endowment
Box 2800
College Station, TX 77841-2800
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