For the second time in a year the Cincinnati football program is mourning the loss of one of their own. Freshman running back Chamoda Kennedy-Palmore has been identified by police as the victim of a motorcycle accident. According to reports, Kennedy-Palmore was struck by another vehicle while riding his motorcycle.
Kennedy-Palmore walked on to the Bearcats team last year and had never seen a down on the field. There is not much more information to go on right now related to the accident, but reports say he was wearing a helmet and proper equipment when hit. The timing of it all is somewhat notable as well. It was just about a year ago to the day Cincinnati offensive lineman Ben Flick was killed in a car accident. Two other Cincinnati players, wide receivers Mark Barr and Javon Harrison were injured in the wreck as well.
Cincinnati is preparing to play on the road at Ohio State this weekend. The tragic loss of a teammate will no doubt bring a somber tone to a game figuring to have significant in-state bragging rights on the line. The game also carries some important weight in Cincinnati’s Group of Five race to a New Years bowl game. All of that will take a back seat as the team deals with this loss. Knowing Ohio State’s history and reputation, the Buckeyes will go all out in showing support for Cincinnati’s loss when the two teams take the field on Saturday night.
UPDATE (6:25 p.m. ET): Cincinnati has released a formal statement regarding the death of Kennedy-Palmore. You can read the full release here, but here is a statement released by head coach Tommy Tuberveille;