Crash Claims Life Of East Central Football Star, Thomas More Recruit

Brett Fox, 18, has been identified as the victim of a crash on State Road 1 in Dearborn County.

Brett Fox at 2018's senior night at East Central High School with parents Kevin and Heather. Brett died in a single-vehicle crash on State Road 1 in Dearborn County on Thursday, February 21. Photo by Sandy Mahoney.

(Dearborn County, Ind.) - An East Central High School student who was a co-captain of the school football team has been identified as the victim of Thursday morning's fatal crash on State Road 1.

The Dearborn County Sheriff's Department identified 18-year-old Brett Fox, of Hidden Valley, as the driver killed in the wreck on S.R. 1 in the area of Whitaker Lane. Deputies believe Fox's 2004 Dodge pickup truck struck a patch of ice before overturning off the roadway and striking a tree and utility pole.

Emergency crews were in the area already as several other accidents attributed to icy roadway had occurred on S.R. 1. Multiple agencies at the fatal crash scene were aided by faculty members from East Central High School, who had also stopped to help, deputies said.

It was not long into the school day when word began to get around the high school that Fox, a senior student, was the person involved in the wreck. Counselors and additional officers were at the school to help students grieve.

Fox was a star lineman and linebacker on the Trojans football team for three seasons. Known as "Big Bad Brett" for the way he played the game, he was second on the team with 66 tackles and nine sacks as the EC team captured a sectional title.

Just this week, Fox made local sports headlines when he committed to continue playing football at Thomas More College in northern Kentucky.

East Central football coach Jake Meiners, who served as an assistant during Fox's three varsity seasons, tells Eagle Country 99.3 the EC football program and school community are hurting with the passing of Brett Fox.

"Brett was one of the best young men I have ever had the pleasure of working with," said Meiners.

"He was an Academic All-State player and a team captain who just signed to play college football at Thomas More. More than that though, Brett was our emotional leader and always looked to help out the younger players. I will always remember the smile that Brett had on his face no matter the circumstances and how he guided his younger brother though life. Brett represented everything that we preach in our program. Our team and school are grieving right now. We are asking that people pray for his parents, his brother, and his family."

Departments who responded to the crash scene included Miller-York Fire Department, Greendale Fire Department, Lawrenceburg EMS, Indiana State Police, and the Dearborn County Coroner's Office.

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