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UNLV commit Zaon Collins arrested after suspected DUI crash.

 

UNLV Basketball
Photo Credit- Fox 5 Las Vegas

Nineteen-year-old Zaon Collins, a Bishop Gorman graduate, who is also one of the top UNLV basketball recruits, was arrested on Wednesday night. Collins was involved in a fatal crash Wednesday night, December 30th.

The police say that both vehicles slid off the road after Collins, who was identified as driving a 2016 Dodge Challenger, hit the passenger side of a 2016 Hyundai Accent, making a left turn. The victim was identified as Eric Echevarria, a 52-year-old man from Las Vegas. He was taken to Sunrise Hospital and later died. Collins was taken to a nearby hospital with some moderate injuries.

According to the arrest report, Collins was driving 88 mph in a 35 mph zone. A jar that contained a “green, leafy substance” was found in Collins front passenger side seat. The police got blood samples from Collins for testing and say he was showing signs of marijuana intoxication. Zaon Collins was charged with DUI resulting in death and reckless driving, resulting in death.

 

UNLV Basketball
Photo Credit- Fox 5 Las Vegas

In August, Collins committed to the University of Nevada Las Vegas and was one of the Runnin’ Rebels top recruits in a while. He committed to UNLV over schools such as Arizona, Arizona State, and the University of Southern California. He averaged 14 points and 8 assists as a junior at Bishop Gorman and led them to state championships the past 3 years. He was ranked the nation’s 42nd best player in his class.

Some of his future UNLV teammates took to Twitter earlier in the day to say how they feel about the Collins situation. Fellow commit and close friend Arthur Kaluma said, “praying for you and the fam bro.” Another member of that ’21 UNLV recruiting class, Keshon Gilbert said, “sick to my stomach (for real) man.”

There is no word as to whether UNLV will honor Collins‘ commitment should he not have to serve jail time. UNLV Athletics did release a statement following the incident.

 “We are aware of the tragic event that occurred yesterday and are in the process of gathering more information,” the statement said. “Our hearts go out to the families and friends of those impacted.”

 

Here are more details from arrest report on Zaon Collins stated in court on Thursday afternoon:

 

  • Police found a “green, leafy substance” in a jar on Collins’ car’s front passenger floor.
  • Police said Collins displayed symptoms “consistent with being under the influence of marijuana.”
  • Data from the Dodge showed the car was traveling approx. 88 mph in a 35 mph zone at the time of the crash.
  • Collins told police at the time, “I was going down the street, and that other vehicle turned in front of me, going into the neighborhood“
  • Zaon Collins was released with the highest level of monitoring. No bail, electronic monitoring, no alcohol or controlled substances, he has to wear a monitoring patch, no driving, stay out of trouble, and has to appear at all his court dates. Judge not setting bail because of a few reasons, including no criminal history.
  • Collins is back in court on January 7th at 7:30 AM.

 

Zaon Collins basketball future is certainly in question right now. However, there are many more important things to focus on. Hopefully, Collins can get the help needed and learn from this. Hopefully, everyone seeing this can learn from this. There are thousands of Uber/Lyft drivers in the Las Vegas area and millions around the world. Ten to Twenty dollars can not only save your own life but others as well. This should be taken as a lesson and a reminder to stay safe.

 

Everyone at Franchise Sports Media sends out thoughts and prayers to all involved in this horrific accident. That includes Zaon, Eric Echevarria and both of their families and loved ones. 

Zaon Collins           Zaon Collins           Zaon Collins           Zaon Collins           Zaon Collins           Zaon Collins            

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-Jarret Thompson – Franchise Sports Media

Follow Jarret on Twitter @Jarret_2T

 

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