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Late last night, the Oklahoma State athletic department announced that collegiate distance running star Isai Rodriguez was involved in an automobile accident. According to the report, Rodriguez is being treated for injuries, none of which are life threatening.
Rodriguez was accompanied by Oklahoma State wrestler AJ Ferrari, an NCAA wrestling champion who was driving the car. According to the Oklahoma State athletic department, Ferrari "...was transported via helicopter to an Oklahoma City hospital, where he is responsive."
Law enforcement has stated that there were "no fatalities or serious injuries to anyone else involved in the accident".
The Stillwater News Press is reporting that Rodriguez climbed out of the car through a broken windshield. The car later caught fire with Ferrari still inside. Oklahoma State football's offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn, in a stroke of pure coincidence, was reportedly driving by when the accident occurred.
Dunn is said to have removed Ferrari from the burning car.
The two student-athletes were reportedly returning from an appearance at a youth wresting practice in the nearby town of Cushing, Oklahoma, roughly 30 minutes away from Stillwater.
Oklahoma State coach Dave Smith is quoted as saying that Rodriguez, "...is in good spirits and feeling pretty good".
Rodriguez has been a superstar talent for Oklahoma State over the last few years. He has run times of 7:54 (3k), 13:41 (5k) and 27:52 (10k).
At the NCAA XC Championships, Rodriguez has placed 22nd (fall 2021), 8th (winter 2021) and 4th (fall 2018). He emerged as Oklahoma State's top scorer at the cross country national meet this past fall, resulting in the Oklahoma State men earning a 3rd place podium finish.