Tyrell Yates Slidell LA Obituary-Death: Southeastern Louisiana Student and Basketball Player Killed in Crash

Yates was among three Southeastern Louisiana University students who died in the crash early Monday morning, September 28, 2026. The other students were identified as Carmelo Riley and Brian Smith II.

News of the deaths has brought grief to Southeastern Louisiana University, the Slidell community, and the many people who knew Yates through basketball and his years at Northshore High School.

Tyrell Yates Obituary and Death

According to authorities, the fatal crash occurred along U.S. 51 in the Ponchatoula area at approximately 3:30 a.m. Monday.

The three students were traveling in a vehicle that was reportedly moving at a high rate of speed when the vehicle crashed into a concrete support column on the left side of the roadway.

The Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office identified Yates, Riley, and Smith as the three students who died.

The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remains ongoing. Authorities have not indicated that the investigation is complete, and additional details may emerge as officials continue examining what happened.

Remembering Tyrell Yates

Tyrell Yates was a native of Slidell, Louisiana, and developed a strong connection to basketball from an early age.

He attended Northshore High School, where he played basketball and established himself as a promising young athlete. His high school basketball career eventually led him to Southeastern Louisiana University, where he continued his education while pursuing his passion for the sport.

Southeastern’s 2023-24 men’s basketball roster listed Yates as a freshman guard from Slidell. He stood 6 feet 4 inches and weighed 180 pounds, and his listed field of study was psychology.

His collegiate basketball career included a memorable performance against Southern-New Orleans in November 2023, when he recorded a career-high six points.

Yates’ basketball journey was also documented through his time with Northshore’s basketball program, where he played both junior varsity and varsity basketball.

Southeastern Louisiana University Community Mourns

The loss of Yates and the two other students has deeply affected the Southeastern Louisiana University community.

University President William S. Wainwright expressed condolences to the families, friends, classmates, faculty members, and others affected by the deaths, describing the tragedy as a loss felt throughout the university community.

For classmates and former teammates, the news represents the sudden loss of a fellow student and athlete who had become part of their community.

Yates’ connection to Southeastern extended beyond academics. His experience as a basketball player gave him relationships with teammates, coaches, athletic staff, and supporters who followed his development from Northshore High School into college athletics.

A Life Remembered Through Basketball

For many young athletes, reaching college basketball represents years of training, competition, sacrifice, and support from family members and coaches.

Yates’ path from Slidell’s Northshore High School to Southeastern Louisiana reflected that journey. His time on the basketball court connected him with teammates and friends and gave him an opportunity to continue developing as both a student and an athlete.

Those who knew him personally will remember more than statistics or roster information. Friends, classmates, teammates, and relatives are left with their own memories of his personality, friendships, and the moments they shared with him.

Crash Investigation Continues

The fatal incident remains under investigation, and authorities have not yet released a complete account of the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Because the investigation is ongoing, additional information about the vehicle, the events immediately before the collision, and other circumstances may be released later.

At this stage, the confirmed information is that three Southeastern Louisiana University students died in the single-vehicle crash and that Yates was among those identified by the Tangipahoa Parish Coroner’s Office.

Funeral and memorial arrangements for Yates had not been publicly announced in the information available at the time of publication.

As the Slidell and Southeastern Louisiana communities mourn, attention remains focused on remembering Yates and supporting those who knew and loved him.

His journey as a student, a basketball player, and a member of the Slidell community leaves behind memories that will remain with the people who shared his life.