Our heartfelt condolences are extended to the family, friends, and loved ones of Ms. Tiana Pope
JCSU MOURNS THE LOSS OF FORMER WOMEN’S BASKETBALL STUDENT-ATHLETE TIANA POPE
Tragic car accident
Winston-Salem, NC – Johnson C. Smith University sorrowfully announces the passing of alumna and former women's basketball student-athlete Tiana Pope. A report from Winston-Salem police stated that Pope was speeding before she crashed her car into a utility pole and died.
Police said Tiana Lazette Pope, 27, of Kernersville, died at the scene of the single-vehicle wreck, which was reported shortly before 2:45 a.m. Wednesday, December 5th in the 500 block of Oak Summit Road.
The 2010 Chevrolet Aveo LT driven by Pope was found to have collided with a utility pole after it traveled off the right side of the road, police said. According to police, speed was a contributing factor in the crash.
The investigation is ongoing.
Pope played basketball at JCSU from 2003-07 under former head coach Vanessa Taylor. During that time, she recorded 1,184 points, 413 rebounds, 271 assists, and 206 steals in her career. The Golden Bulls won back to back CIAA Western Division titles (2005-07) with Pope in the backcourt.
“JCSU has lost a great member of its family,” stated head women's basketball coach
Stephen Joyner, Jr. Joyner served as an assistant coach for the women's program during Pope's time on the team. “Tiana was an extraordinary athlete and an even more joyful person to be around. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this time of loss.”
Please join us in offering our condolences and sympathies to Pope's family, friends, and loved ones.
