A staffer with Republican presidential candidate Ben Carson’s campaign was involved in a car crash on Tuesday.
According to a tweet from Nebraska Medicine, the Carson staffer, identified as 25-year-old Braden Joplin, died as a result of injuries sustained in the accident.
We are saddened to announce the passing of @RealBenCarson volunteer Braden Joplin. Despite best efforts of our staff, he died after 4:30.
— Nebraska Medicine (@NebraskaMed) January 20, 2016
KLBK-TV reported Joplin was a Texas Tech student from Midland, Texas. Joplin was traveling with other Carson campaign volunteers and staff when their van hit an ice patch and flipped on its side. Another vehicle then crashed into them.
A Ben Carson volunteer has died following a car crash in Iowa. https://t.co/c707JvovLm (Photo: Iowa State Patrol) pic.twitter.com/I6qT6n6YWL
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) January 20, 2016
Carson, in a statement earlier today, said he was canceling events on his campaign tour to see Joplin’s family as they awaited news on his condition.
Ben Carson aide with most serious injuries is Braden Joplin, 25. Our reporter @timeinch interviewed him 2 weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/NZ6kjaNkbs
— Jennifer Jacobs (@JenniferJJacobs) January 19, 2016
Carson’s statement said:
Earlier today in Iowa, a van transporting three campaign volunteers and one of our campaign employees hit a patch of ice and flipped on its side where it was struck by another vehicle. Three of the passengers, including the campaign staffer driving, are currently being checked out in Atlantic, Iowa. One volunteer is being transported to Omaha, Nebraska to receive additional treatment.
I have spoken with the family of the volunteer being transported to Omaha, as well as the attending physician. I have also cancelled all remaining campaign events today and will be traveling to Omaha this afternoon to be with the family during this difficult time.
I am asking for you to join me in prayer for all the individuals and families involved.
