The Slidell, Louisiana, community and Southeastern Louisiana University basketball family are mourning the death of Tyrell Yates, a young athlete who was among three Southeastern students killed in a single-vehicle crash in Tangipahoa Parish early Monday morning, September 28, 2026.
According to authorities, Yates was traveling with Carmelo Riley and Brian Smith II along U.S. 51 near Ponchatoula at approximately 3:30 a.m. when the vehicle, traveling at a high rate of speed, crashed into a concrete support column on the left side of the roadway.
All three young men died in the crash.
Yates was known for his basketball career and his connection to Southeastern Louisiana University. He previously played basketball at Northshore High School in Slidell and was listed as a 6-foot-4 guard who could play multiple positions, including shooting guard, small forward and point guard.
He later continued his basketball career at Southeastern, where he was listed on the Lions roster as a freshman guard from Slidell. His death has brought grief to teammates, classmates, friends and members of the wider university and Northshore communities.
Following the crash, Southeastern Louisiana University President William S. Wainwright expressed condolences to the families and everyone affected by the deaths.
“There are simply no words that can adequately express the sorrow we feel for their families, friends, classmates, faculty and all those whose lives they touched,” Wainwright said, calling on the university community to come together as a Southeastern family and support those grieving.
Tributes have also emerged from friends and members of the local basketball community, with many remembering Yates for his personality, kindness, humor and encouragement. The phrase “Long Live Tyrell” has been shared among those honoring his memory.
The fatal crash remains a devastating loss for the families and communities connected to the three young men. For those who knew Yates through basketball, school and friendship, his passing marks the loss of a young athlete whose future was still unfolding.
Funeral and memorial arrangements had not been included in the information provided. As friends, teammates and classmates remember Tyrell, the community continues to offer condolences and support to his loved ones.
Tyrell Yates will be remembered by the Slidell and Southeastern basketball communities for the friendships he formed, the game he loved and the memories he leaves behind.
