FIU Football Player Emmanuel Lubin Killed In Crash Near Miami

MIAMI, FL — Florida International University is mourning the loss of defensive back Emmanuel R. Lubin, who was killed in a weekend crash near Miami.

"Tragically, we lost a great young man in Emmanuel Lubin," said FIU Head Football Coach Butch Davis. "He was a hard worker, great teammate and was respected and loved by his teammates, coaches and staff at FIU."

Lubin, who was not wearing a seat belt, lost control of his beige Toyota around 4 a.m. Sunday along the Florida Turnpike near NW 74 Street and crashed into a guardrail and metal pole holding up a traffic sign, according to Lt. Alex Camacho of the Florida Highway Patrol in Miami.

"The vehicle began to rotate clockwise traveling off the roadway," said Camacho. "As a result, the left side of the vehicle collided into the right guardrail. After colliding with the guardrail, the vehicle continued to rotate and the left side of the vehicle collided into a metal pole structure supporting a traffic sign."

Camacho said Lubin's car was the only vehicle involved in the crash. Lubin was traveling north at the time.

"His character, work ethic and leadership were instrumental in leading our program to success these past two seasons," added Davis. "Our football program is mourning his loss and we will honor Emmanuel every day moving forward. Our hearts and prayers go out to his friends and family."

Lubin was pronounced dead on the scene by first responders from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. He was the only person in the car.

A native of North Miami Beach, Lubin was hoping to turn professional after four seasons at FIU. The defensive back played in 45 games with the Panthers. He had 86 career tackles and one interception.

Lubin played and started in all 13 games during the 2018 season, his last year of eligibility. He led the Panthers to a school-record nine wins on the way to a Bahamas Bowl victory over Toledo to cap his senior season on Dec. 21, 2018 in Nassau.

"The FIU Athletics Department will provide more information on services, condolences and memorials when they are available," school officials said.