DeSouza Reportedly in Accident

Pete Volk

Editor

According to multiple sources, redshirt freshman starting right tackle Pete DeSouza was hit by a car while riding his moped around campus. The accident was apparently serious, and we have no further information at this time. This story will be updated as we learn more.

We wish DeSouza nothing but the best in his recovery. I know him personally, and he is an absolutely great guy. Keep him in your thoughts tonight.

From Terrapin Trail, the Diamondback’s blog:

"Starting right tackle Pete DeSouza has suffered non-life-threatening injuries in a scooter accident in front of Cole Field House tonight, according to a team official.DeSouza allegedly was trying to make a left-hand turn onto Regents Drive from Campus Drive at 9:10 p.m. when he was struck by a car traveling the opposite direction on Campus Drive.Witnesses said DeSouza sustained a leg injury, and University Police spokesman Marc Limansky said while he didn’t know the extent of the injury, he did say DeSouza was “definitely incapacitated”.The redshirt freshman has been transported to Washington Medical Center where he is currently being evaluated."

Another update from Terrapin Trail with the school’s official statement:

"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEUniversity of Maryland Football Player Injured in Vehicle CrashCOLLEGE PARK, Maryland (October 21, 2010)University of Maryland football player Peter DeSouza was involved in a traffic accident occurring at 9pm on the University of Maryland College Park campus this evening.DeSouza was operating a motor scooter traveling westbound on Campus Drive when a motorist turned left in front of DeSouza near the Stamp Student Union. DeSouza’s scooter collided with the vehicle causing DeSouza to go down.DeSouza is being treated for non-life threatening injuries at a local hospital. The driver of the passenger vehicle was issued a traffic citation. The University of Maryland Department of Public Safety is continuing its investigation."

Another update from Terrapin Trail – DeSouza suffered fractures in both of his lower legs and will be out for the year.

"COLLEGE PARK, Md. – Maryland football player Pete DeSouza was injured in an accident Thursday evening on campus.http://www.umpd.umd.edu/umpd2a_detail.cfm?id=1500DeSouza, a redshirt freshman offensive lineman, suffered non-life threatening injuries – fractures in both lower legs. He was having asurgery Friday morning and is expected to remain in the hospital throughout the weekend.“Our thoughts and prayers are with Pete and his family, and we’ll help them anyway we can,” head coach Ralph Friedgen said. “We hope he makes a speedy recovery.”DeSouza will not travel with the team Friday to Boston College.  He is expected to make a full recovery, but will be out for the rest of the season."