Eastern Kentucky DL Joseph Kraemer killed in weekend car accident

Eastern Kentucky defensive lineman Joseph Kraemer was killed in a single-car accident Sunday morning.

"The news that we lost one of our own is devastating to me, our team and our coaches," EKU coach Dean Hood said in a statement. "We pray that God will give strength to Joey's family during their time of mourning.  Joey will truly be missed by all of us he touched, not only because of what he accomplished on the football field, but because of who he was as a person and the impact he made on our lives."

Coroner Jimmy Cornelison told Kentucky.com that Kraemer’s truck left the road and struck a tree. Because of the heavy damage to the car, Cornelison speculated that speed was a factor in the crash. He also said Kraemer died instantly around 1:30 a.m. Sunday morning.

An off duty firefighter saw Kraemer’s truck from the main road around 8 a.m. Sunday and called for help.

Kraemer, 19, transferred to Eastern Kentucky in August after spending a redshirt season at UTEP. He was eligible to play at Eastern Kentucky, but had not appeared in any games.

"Our Colonel family is hurting today," EKU president Michael Benson said in a statement.  "Together, we will share our EKU pride in Joey's memory and honor. Please join me in expressing our sympathies to the Kraemer family in this time of sorrow."

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