Reports spread Wednesday morning that two Mississippi State football players were critically injured in a car crash. MSU has now issued a statement confirming the crash and offering status updates on the two injured players.

Freshman DE De’Monte Russell and freshman S J.P. Purvis have been identified as the two players:

“Mississippi State football student-athletes De’Monte Russell and J.P. Purvis along with another individual not affiliated with MSU were involved in an automobile accident on Hwy. 25 yesterday evening (Dec. 17) following team practice. De’Monte was treated and released. J.P. is resting comfortably in the hospital. MSU is not authorized to comment on the third individual involved. The university is grateful to first responders for the assistance provided to our students. The Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol worked the accident.”

WCBI reported the story Wednesday morning before the players had been identified. The MHP has released a statement, per WCBI, describing the accident as an 18-wheeler colliding a Nissan Altima driven by Purvis:

“At about 7:08 p.m. on December 17, 2019, MHP responded to a crash on MS 25 south in Oktibbeha Co. A 1994 black Peterbilt 18 wheeler driven by 51-year-old Mark Alan Mace of Sumrall, MS was traveling south on MS 25 attempting to turn into a private drive when a black 2017 Nissan Altima also traveling southbound on MS 25 driven by 19-year-old Javeious Alexander O’Neal Purvis of Pelahatchie, MS collided with the rear of the trailer. There were two passengers in the Nissan Altima, 19-year-old De’monte Russell of Jackson, MS and 18-year-old Xavier Taylor of Brandon, MS. All passengers in the Nissan were transported by ambulance to OCH in Starkville. Mr. Purvis was then airlifted to Jackson, and Mr. Taylor who was unrestrained was airlifted to Tupelo and then to Jackson, both were listed in critical condition. Mr. Mace was not injured in the accident. This accident remains under investigation by MHP.”