Former Tiger Shango killed in car crash

Sep 10, 2024 at 12:00 AM

Tragic Loss: The Untimely Passing of Gedeon Shango, a Rising Basketball Star

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the basketball community is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Gedeon Mori Shango, a former player for the Marshalltown Community College (MCC) Tigers. The 22-year-old center from Kinshasa, Congo, was killed in a single-car accident on Sunday night, leaving his teammates, coaches, and fans devastated by the news.

A Promising Career Cut Short

A Dedicated Athlete with a Bright Future

Gedeon Shango's basketball career was marked by his unwavering dedication and impressive skills on the court. Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing 185 pounds, the young center from Congo had already made a significant impact during his two-year tenure with the MCC Tigers. In his 61 games played, Shango started in 56 of them, showcasing his consistent and reliable presence on the team.Shango's statistics were a testament to his talent and hard work. Over the course of his two-year career, he averaged 8.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks per game, demonstrating his versatility and ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. His coach, Ryan Flack, praised Shango's dedication and potential, expressing high hopes for his future in the sport.

A Tragic Accident Cuts Short a Promising Life

The news of Shango's passing has sent shockwaves through the basketball community and beyond. According to reports, the accident occurred on Sunday night, around 11:30 pm, when Shango's 2008 Pontiac Torrent ran off Highway AC, about six miles northeast of his hometown of Cabool, Missouri. The vehicle overturned, and Shango was ejected from the car, leading to his untimely death.The Texas County Sheriff's Office, led by Sheriff Scott Lindsey, responded to the scene and pronounced Shango dead at 12:51 am on Monday morning. The loss of this young, talented athlete has left his teammates, coaches, and the entire MCC community in a state of profound grief and disbelief.

Honoring Gedeon Shango's Legacy

As the basketball world mourns the passing of Gedeon Shango, it is essential to celebrate his life and the impact he had on those around him. His dedication to the sport, his unwavering work ethic, and his potential to become a standout player were all qualities that made him a beloved member of the MCC Tigers team.The MCC community has rallied together to honor Shango's memory, with Coach Flack and the university expressing their deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. Shango's legacy will undoubtedly live on, inspiring future generations of basketball players to follow in his footsteps and strive for excellence both on and off the court.In the wake of this tragic loss, the basketball community must come together to support one another, celebrate Shango's life, and ensure that his memory is never forgotten. Though his time on the court was cut short, Gedeon Shango's impact will continue to be felt, and his spirit will forever be a part of the game he loved.