Two college football players were killed in a devastating early-morning crash on a Texas highway, leaving their university and grieving families struggling to comprehend the sudden loss of two promising young men.
A’Jean “AJ” Augustine, 20, and Deyreck Dean, 23, both students at Texas Lutheran University, died Monday, November 2, after their SUV veered across a highway and slammed into a guardrail near Seguin, about 35 miles northeast of San Antonio.
According to the Seguin Police Department, the crash happened around 2:38 a.m. on State Highway 46, just north of Interstate 10. Investigators said the 2012 Kia Sorento was traveling south at a high rate of speed when the driver lost control, crossed into the northbound lanes and struck a guardrail.
Emergency responders rushed to the scene, but both young men were pronounced dead. Authorities have not publicly confirmed which athlete was driving, and the circumstances surrounding the crash remain under investigation.
The tragedy has devastated Texas Lutheran University’s close-knit community, where both players were remembered as beloved teammates and friends.
Augustine, a junior from Houston, was in his third season with the Bulldogs football program. A graduate of Lamar High School, he played placekicker and kickoff specialist while pursuing a degree in kinesiology.
During his college career, Augustine appeared in 16 games, made 10 field goals and scored 78 points. He was also part of the Bulldogs teams that won Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference championships in 2024 and 2025.
A family friend remembered Augustine as a joyful young man whose love of sports began in childhood.
“A’Jean was full of life, laughter, smiles and always [a] mama’s boy,” she wrote in a touching Facebook tribute, recalling how he started playing soccer at age 3 before developing a passion for football.
Dean, meanwhile, was a senior from Rockwall, Texas, who had played linebacker for the Bulldogs from 2022 through 2025. He appeared in 26 games, recorded 64 tackles and earned recognition on the conference’s academic honor roll.
A business management major, Dean was preparing to graduate in December, making his sudden death especially heartbreaking for those who knew him.
Lucinda Purnell, whose family welcomed Dean into their home during his high school years, shared an emotional tribute remembering his infectious smile and generous spirit.
“We are heartbroken. His smile was contagious, big and beautiful,” she wrote, describing Dean as someone with a heart of gold.
“My kids lost a brother and no one can prepare them for this type of grief,” she added.
Texas Lutheran University confirmed the deaths Monday, describing both students as cherished members of its community whose absence would be felt for years to come.
Football coach Neal LaHue also expressed his grief, extending prayers and condolences to both families.
The university announced that a memorial service honoring Augustine and Dean will be held Thursday, November 5, at 11 a.m. in Jackson Auditorium. Counseling and other support services have also been made available to students, athletes and staff struggling with the loss.
Both players helped contribute to a successful period for the Bulldogs football program, sharing in back-to-back conference championships and building friendships that extended far beyond the field.
Now, instead of celebrating their accomplishments and Dean’s approaching graduation, teammates and loved ones are preparing to say goodbye.
The investigation into the fatal crash remains ongoing. Texas Lutheran University+2
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