Radford University is continuing to mourn the loss of one of its own.
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Joey Raccuia, a 19-year-old freshman on the baseball team, recently died in a single-car crash just days after making his collegiate debut. The accident occurred a few miles from campus. Authorities have not yet confirmed a cause.
Raccuia had only just begun his college career.
He appeared in two of Radford's first seven games this season, stepping onto the field for the first time as a Highlander only days before the tragedy.
The program shared the news with a heartfelt message.
"We are heartbroken to share news of the passing of Joey Raccuia," Radford Baseball said. "Joey's impact on our team, this community and all the lives he touched went far beyond the playing field."
University officials echoed that sentiment, extending condolences to his family, friends, and teammates during what they called an incredibly difficult time.
Raccuia came from a baseball family. He is the son of former Radford head coach Joe Raccuia, who led the program for more than a decade and now works in professional baseball.
In the days following the loss, the team returned to the field.
Radford earned a walk-off win in its next game, a moment players and coaches said was played in Raccuia's honor.
"We knew we were going to stick together," one player said. "What would Joey want? He'd want us to go out and play."
