Troy University is mourning the passing of Daniel Clemmons, a 20-year-old sophomore from Florence, who was killed in a one-car accident Saturday morning near his hometown.

Clemmons was set to begin his junior year at Troy. Clemmons had been a member of the rodeo team since arriving at Troy and had competed in the calf roping and team roping events.

Troy rodeo coach Josh Simmons said Clemmons had a passion for life and for being a leader.

“In the short time I knew him, Daniel really lived,” Simmons said.

“He really was the heart of the team. When things got tough, he got the entire team going forward. He was a leader in every sense of the word.

While Alabama State Troopers know the circumstances of Clemmons’ death, they are still unsure as to when the accident that caused it took place.

According to a report by the TimesDaily, Troopers are saying it could have been either late Friday night or early Saturday morning.

The wreck was discovered a little before 8 a.m. Saturday morning by a motorist, who then called authorities.

Troopers said Clemmons’ 2003 Ford Explorer was eastbound on Lauderdale 8 and was coming out of a curve when the vehicle ran off the road, went down an embankment and flipped several times, including over a fence, before coming to a stop.

Clemmons was pronounced dead at the scene by Lauderdale County Coroner Andy High, who said Clemmons died from multiple blunt force trauma.

Simmons said Clemmons will not be forgotten by the Troy rodeo program.

“He was loved by the entire team, and I can’t express how much we are going to miss him not only this year, but from here on out,” Simmons said.

“He was a fine young man of outstanding character and he will be missed greatly”